Or should I have spelled it l-e-a-d? On April 22, 2010 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) passed into law a requirement that any contractor performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Lead poisoning can lead to a number of ailments including but not limited to brain and nervous system damage, reproductive problems and headaches. Before your next remodel or addition project, be sure to ask your architect and contractor about the new lead-safe requirements. In addition, if you are buying, selling or renting a pre-1978 home, be sure any known information about lead based paints and/or hazards is disclosed. Find our more from the EPA‘s lead web site.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the EPA has postponed enforcement of the new lead paint regulation. Builders and members of congress argued that the government staff isn’t ready with trained officials. Safety precautions still need to be followed but enforcement has been pushed back to October. Contractors have until the end of September to sign up for training and must complete training by the end of the year.
