Canadian Environmental Law Association, Toronto
Training, caution essential to avoid release of brain-damaging lead, other toxic substances
Home energy retrofits tackle climate change and when done right they should make homes healthier, while aiding families struggling with utility bills.
Without adequate training and precaution, however, renovators, energy retrofitters and do-it-yourselfers who disturb lead-based paint, asbestos insulation and other toxic materials in older buildings put the health of all — especially children — living there at risk of serious health impacts.
Lead exposure can potentially lead to lowered intelligence and worse; asbestos exposure can potentially lead to debilitating long term illness, and certain materials used in renovation can increase other health risks, experts warn in a new report by the Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA).
CELA and fellow members of the Canadian Partnership for Children’s Health and Environment (CPCHE) have launched a multi-year project to promote healthier home energy retrofits. They strongly encourage retrofits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and home energy costs but urge government co-operation to ensure such work is done without damaging the vulnerable health of children.
Full release: Click here
Coverage by Reuters: Click here