Lead Paint, the EPA, & You

As of July 6, 2010, the EPA is requiring that nearly any work (remodeling, repairs, renovations) performed by a contractor (in this case, anyone who is paid to perform the work) on a home or certain other structures "built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination."

Is the EPA taking this seriously?  They are -- to the tune of potential fines of $37,500 per violation, per day.  You read that right -- $37,500.

Here are the opening paragraphs from the page on the EPA's website dealing with this issue:

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

Our current position on this ruling

As of this time, and due to the costs of becoming certified and the additional work practices and procedures required to comply with the EPA's ruling, we have decided to NOT perform any remodeling or repairs on homes built before 1978.  Regrettably, we have already turned down several potential jobs on pre-1978 homes.  As a homeowner, you should know and be aware of all the risks involved and the regulations that apply to any contractor who works on your home.  The current list of contractor's in our area who are certified can be found at this link on the EPA website.

If we receive enough requests for remodeling or repairs on pre-1978 homes, we may revisit our position on this matter.

Resources

• Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF)
• EPA Small Entity Compliance Guide to Renovate Right (PDF)
• Compliance with New Federal Lead-Based Paint Requirements (PDF)
• Contractors: Lead Safety During Renovation (PDF)
• EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting final rule