Lead Paint: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Lead in paint can be a hidden, very dangerous threat to many. April 22, 2010 is the date that changes everything in home renovation for contractors. This is the date that the new EPA law goes into effect regarding lead. All pre-1978 homes have the potential to have lead paint present. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long made it a priority to reduce exposure to lead, especially for young children. Exposure to high levels of lead can be particularly damaging to children whose nervous systems are still developing and to pregnant women, whose unborn children are growing. Children with these high lead levels can suffer from nervous system damage, behavioral problems, learning problems, slowed growth, headaches and other debilitating conditions. The Environmental Protection Agency has been working for three decades to reduce exposure to lead in lead paint, and on April 22, 2010, new federal laws will require all contractors “performing renovation, repair or painting projects that disturb lead based paint…to be certified and to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.”Contractors today must jump through numerous hurdles to guarantee that they are meeting these rigorous safety standards when working with lead paint in homes, businesses and other child related facilities. Thousands of workers performing renovations will have to be trained and certified as “Renovators” by EPA-accredited trainers. Paint professionals and other home improvement professionals will be trained in how to effectively protect household items and how to seal floor coverings from potential contamination while work is in progress. In addition, training will be given in how to use high-powered equipment while working with lead paint and how to contain the dust that accumulates during renovations. The EPA in its' wisdom, has estimated the additional cost per contract will only be $36.00. Unfortunately this is far from accurate; the cost of working on pre-1978 homes where lead is present will greatly increase the cost to the homeowner. While they have greatly underestimated the cost, the safety concerns they have are very legitimate.
The process is to educate the homeowner. A contractor is required to give the homeowner or property owner the new EPA “Renovate Right” pamphlet. A certified firm will determine if lead is present and if so the rest of the steps must be taken. When the work is being done it is all about containing the dust, chips, and potentially hazardous material. The containment process is the most critical part of the process, as it is directly related to property owners exposure.
This new law is all the more reason to check out any contractor that you are hiring. Do your homework on the companies you hire, the internet provides a wealth of information on them. If you have a pre-1978 home, the contractor must be certified. Ask them to show you their certification, as they are required to show it. If they are not certified then thank them for them time, and move on to a contractor that is. Due to the high cost to become certified, many contractors are avoiding the new regulations. It is critical for your protection that the contractor is certified, and it is the law. Feel free to call the staff at Brooks painting for answers to your questions concerning this new law. Brooks Painting is already a certified lead paint renovator.
