New EPA Lead Ruling Takes Effect April 2010
Everyone can be affected by the hazards of lead-based paint. However, children under the age of six (6) have a significantly higher risk. On April 22, 2010, the US Environment Protection Agency's (EPA) new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule becomes fully effective and enforceable. This new Federal regulation is intended to protect children and adults alike during renovation, repair and painting projects in pre-1978 housing and in pre-1978 child-occupied facilities, such as daycare centers, where lead-based paint will be disturbed by the work. Children exposed to lead at an early age are likely to suffer from a variety of permanent conditions, including brain, liver and kidney damage; slowed development; learning disabilities; behavior problems; lowered intellect; hearing loss; and restlessness. (http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/chancefactsheet.pdf)
What is PDCA doing in response to the new EPA Rule?
PDCA member companies are now able to take the required EPA Certified Renovator training courses as a result of a cooperative effort and partnership between PDCA Headquarters and CONNOR, a national real estate due diligence and environmental training firm. CONNOR, which is EPA-accredited to train these new courses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the seven Indian Tribal Nations and the four US territories, will assure that PDCA members have access to the required training in order to comply with the new Federal requirements. Additionally, PDCA is working to promote the importance of lead-safe work practices during painting, decorating, remodeling, renovation and maintenance projects in pre-1978 housing to members and the general public through various marketing resources, including PDCA's website, direct mail and other avenues.
How does this ruling affect consumers
Consumers need to know if renovation, repair or painting work in their home or apartment will trigger the requirements in the EPA Rule. Besides pre-1978 target housing, the regulation applies to pre-1978 "child-occupied facilities," which are defined as "building, or a portion of a building, constructed prior to 1978, visited regularly by the same child, under 6 years of age, on at least 2 different days within any week (Sunday through Saturday period), provided that each day's visit lasts at least 3 hours and the combined weekly visits last at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours. Child-occupied facilities may be located in public or commercial buildings or in target housing." (www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-TOX/2008/April/Day-22/t8141.htm)
Consumers also need to know how find a qualified professional for these services. Painting and decorating contractors who perform work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities will need to apply to EPA to become "Certified Renovation Firms." Additionally, contractors and their workers will need to take training from EPA-accredited training providers, like CONNOR, to become "Certified Renovators." Member companies of PDCA should be the consumer's first choice. Find a PDCA member company near you online via PDCA?s Find-A-Pro, www.pdca.org.
Where can consumers find more information?
EPA's website is the best source of information for consumers about the new Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule requirements. Visit www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm to get complete details about the regulation and valuable resources, including several PDF pamphlets on lead, lead-based paint, lead poisoning and steps to perform renovations in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities.
The National Lead Information Center (NLIC) can also be a valuable resource about lead. They can be reached at 1(800) 424-LEAD (5323) Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm. Consumers may also submit an inquiry online to NLIC at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.
Consumers can find a PDCA member company in their area with PDCA's Find-a-Pro directory. Learn more about PDCA by calling (800) 332-7322 or emailing us at info@pdca.org.
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