What are the lead paint regulations for older homes built before 1978 in New Brunswick?

Lead paint is a serious health hazard found in a large proportion of New Brunswick homes built before 1978, and while NB does not have a province-specific lead abatement licensing regime, federal Health Canada guidelines and WorkSafeNB regulations establish clear requirements for safe handling — requirements that every homeowner should understand before starting any painting project on an older NB home.

The background: lead was commonly added to interior and exterior paints as a pigment, drying agent, and durability enhancer until the late 1970s. The federal government restricted its use significantly in 1976, but older stock was still sold through the late 1970s. This means homes in Fredericton's north side, Saint John's older neighbourhoods, the Heritage Conservation District in uptown Saint John, and older residential areas throughout Moncton, Bathurst, and Miramichi have a high likelihood of containing lead paint — particularly on exterior surfaces, window frames, doors, trim, and any originally oil-based painted surfaces.

Federal regulation: Health Canada's Lead and Your Health guidelines establish that blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per decilitre are a health concern, with children under 6 and pregnant women most vulnerable. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act restricts lead content in new paints to 90 parts per million (ppm), effectively banning lead in modern paint. However, the regulations governing the removal of existing lead paint from homes are less prescriptive: there is no federal or NB provincial law requiring homeowners to hire a certified lead abatement contractor for residential renovation work. The obligation falls instead on the homeowner to follow Health Canada's safe work practices guidance and on contractors to follow WorkSafeNB regulations.

WorkSafeNB requirements apply to painting contractors and renovation workers as employers. WorkSafeNB requires employers to assess the workplace for hazardous materials, including lead, before beginning work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 buildings. Contractors must follow the hierarchy of controls — containment, wet methods to suppress dust, HEPA vacuuming, proper PPE (P100 or N100 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves) — and must properly dispose of lead-contaminated debris as regulated waste through an approved NB facility. Personal air monitoring may be required for workers with ongoing lead paint exposure.

For homeowners doing DIY work: You are not subject to WorkSafeNB regulations (which govern employment relationships), but you are still creating a health hazard for yourself, your family, and especially any children in the home if you disturb lead paint without proper precautions. Health Canada's guidance is clear: if you suspect lead paint, test before disturbing, and if confirmed, follow lead-safe work practices or hire a professional. Never dry sand or dry scrape surfaces with suspected lead paint. Never use a heat gun on suspected lead paint — this creates lead vapour, which is far more dangerous than lead dust. Use wet methods, contain the work area with plastic sheeting, wear appropriate respiratory protection, and bag and dispose of waste properly.

Heritage areas: In Saint John's heritage conservation areas and Fredericton's designated heritage districts, you may face additional constraints around exterior surface treatments, but these heritage bylaws address appearance rather than lead paint specifically. The lead paint obligations are the same regardless of heritage status.

The practical bottom line for NB homeowners: if your home was built before 1978 and you are planning any work that will disturb painted surfaces — sanding, scraping, stripping trim, removing window frames — testing for lead paint is the responsible first step. Test kits are inexpensive and widely available. If lead is confirmed, strongly consider hiring a professional painter experienced with lead-safe work practices, especially if children live in or visit the home.

---

Find a Painting Contractor

New Brunswick Painting helps you find local painting professionals through the New Brunswick Construction Network:

• Expressions Painting ✓
• Loves Painting Ltd. ✓
• Worry No More Handyman Service ✓
• Worry No More Handyman Services ✓