NARI advises homeowners to be aware of new EPA lead rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 1, 2008 -- Des Plaines, Illinois, Oct. 1, 2008— If you live in a home built before 1978, chances are you may be exposed to lead. Common renovation activities like sanding, drilling and demolition can distribute harmful lead dust and chips, creating a hazardous environment for homeowners.

To protect against this risk, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a rule requiring the use of more stringent lead-safe practices aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the new rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

“When you’re doing remodeling of a home built pre-1978 there is an awful amount of lead dust that gets released into the air—if you don’t take the proper precautions,” said Michael Hydeck, CR, CKBR, vice president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and owner of Hydeck & MacKay Builders in Telford, Pa. “This is particularly dangerous for children under six years of age and pregnant women, but it’s also not good for the worker.”

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk because babies and young children often put their hands and other objects in their mouths, possibly exposing themselves to lead.

The EPA has encouraged lead-safe practices for many years, but the new regulations give remodelers and homeowners a higher standard to which to refer. According to the new rules, contractors working on homes built before 1978 will have to have a certified lead remodeler on staff. Remodelers will get certified by the EPA by participating and passing a concentrated eight-hour training course about the dangers of lead paint, how to set up work areas that will not expose residents, minimize dust and leave the work area clean. Contractors will use a number of protective measures, including: wearing appropriate eyewear, clothing and repertory protection on the job. Inside the work areas remodelers will remove furniture and belongings during the project or cover them with heavy plastic sheeting, close and seal vents and turn-off forced air heat and air conditioning systems if necessary.

To minimize the spread of lead dust, workers should mist areas before sanding, scraping or drilling and cutting; score paint before separating it from surfaces and pry and pull it away instead of hammering; and always use a shroud with a HEPA vacuum attachment when using

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