The lead poses little threat if undisturbed but "replacing old windows or drilling into walls to blow in insulation, for example, can contaminate the house with lead dust," CELA said.

In a news release Friday, publisher Random House Canada said the book looks at ways in which oil scarcity will lead to the end of globalization.

If your old house has lead paint in good condition, cover it with fresh paint rather than removing it, which releases lead dust into the air.