Remodelling Contractors Must Be EPA Lead Certified

I recently received an envelope from the Environmental Protection Agency announcing that as of April 2010 "All contractors performing work that disturbs lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be EPA Certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination." The specifics can be found at http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=f07a90b05d8e4481e1f462a217a2b789&rgn=div5&view=text&node=40:30.0.1.1.13&idno=40#40:30.0.1.1.13.3.1.3

The interior and exterior of many homes, rental properties and businesses in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area have been painted with lead-based paint. It has been known for many years that lead exposure is dangerous to children. Lead is also dangerous to adults. Lead exposure by adults can result in diminished mental capacity, kidney failure and even death. The exposure to lead should not be taken lightly.

This new regulation will drastically increase the expense of repairs and renovations to these properties. New tools and equipment will need to be acquired by the contractor, the additional costs for disposal of lead contaminated trash and construction debris deemed hazardous waste, and more time to carry out the project. It will also require the contractor to pay for certification and require he or she train their employees on the proper practices of working around lead-based paint. This extra expense will be passed along to the customers.

These new regulations will make some contractors less competitive with other contractors and may force them out of business.

Visit www.epa.gov/lead or call 1-800-424-lead (5323) for more information.