|
Lead Safety
Beginning in April 2010, new federal regulations require that renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, about 35% of U.S. homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint .Lead exposure is hazardous to all humans and pets, however children under the age of six and pregnant women are at particular risk.
An EPA brochure entitled “Renovate Right” identifies some of the potential hazards associated with lead and the requirements imposed on contractors performing work where lead-based paint is present. If your residence was built prior to 1978, tests will need to be conducted to determine whether lead is present in the area where the work is to be performed. If lead is present or likely to be present, work practices mandated by EPA regulations may increase the costs of the project.
For more information about this new regulation and how it may affect you, visit www.epa.gov/lead.
