May 2010

New EPA Lead-Based Paint Rules Could Cost You

As of April 22, 2010, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) now requires that renovation and restoration workers are to be trained to use lead-safe work practices and requires renovation firms to be EPA-Certified. Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most repair, remodeling, and maintenance activities, including window replacement.

The Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) is a federal regulatory program affecting contractors, property managers and others who disturb painted surfaces.  It applies to residential house, apartments, and child-occupied facilities.

Why is lead harmful? Lead poisoning is the No. 1 environmental hazard threatening children throughout the United States, affecting an estimated 310,000 children under the age of 6, according to the Baltimore-based Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning. One of the primary culprits? Apartment buildings. Three-quarters of all housing built before 1978 contains lead-based paint, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). To protect residents, apartment owners with stock built before ’78 must abide by federal and often local regulations, which are becoming increasingly stringent (Azoff).