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April 22 Deadline Approaches for Contractors to Obtain EPA Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Certification

Release Date: 03/11/2010
Contact Information: David Bryan, 913-551-7433, bryan.david@epa.gov

Environmental News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Kansas City, Kan., March 11, 2010) - Beginning next month, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposures to lead.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous 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. All contractors must be trained and certified by April 22, 2010.

Landlords, property managers, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule and play an important role in protecting public health by helping prevent lead exposure from their housing units. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.

To locate an EPA-accredited training provider or to learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint, visit EPA’s Get Lead Safe Web site or contact the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

For information about Iowa’s certification and training program, contact the Iowa Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention, 515-281-3479 or 1-800-972-2026, or visit the state’s Web site .

For information about the Kansas certification and training program, contact the Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, 1-800-865-3233, or visit www.kshealthyhomes.org .

Missouri and Nebraska residents can locate an EPA-accredited training provider through EPA’s Get Lead Safe Web site or by calling the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Information is also available from EPA Region 7 by calling 1-800-223-0425.