Are you completing renovations to a structure that may contain lead-based paint?
Dealing with lead-based paint during renovations can present certain risks. We have all heard of the dangers of lead-based paint and are aware of their use in homes and businesses across the country. Old paint is the most significant source of lead exposure in the US.
Most homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1960 contain heavily-leaded paint and structures built as recently as 1978 may also contain lead-based paint.
Lead exposure can cause serious medical issues in both children and adults. That’s why it’s important to hire an expert who it trained to mitigate any potential hazards to ensure the safety of the property.
In response to the growing concern of the impacts of renovations to structures containing lead-based paint, the EPA signed the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulation in April of 2008.
This regulation was created in order to ensure contractors working on child-occupied facilities built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.
3 Reasons You Should Only Hire an RRP Certified Contractor When Dealing with Lead-based Paint
REASON #1: To protect the health of children and adults.
The Lead Regulations applied to renovation projects protects residents, especially young children and unborn children, from lead poisoning.
Lead harms a child’s developing brain and nervous system. It can cause permanent learning, behavior, and medical problems.
Lead can also cause many health problems in adults. It can raise blood pressure (and the risk of a heart attack or stroke). It can decrease brain function (making it more difficult to think, learn, and remember).
Lead can also increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects and cause impotence.
REASON #2: To maintain the safety of the property.
Contractors who are licensed in lead safety by DLS are trained to avoid creating lead-based paint hazards. To become licensed, a contractor must take an eight-hour approved course.
This course teaches the contractor how to:
- Set up a work space to prevent the spread of lead dust;
- Minimize and contain dust while working;
- Clean up safely after the work is completed;
- Check the work to make sure that no lead dust remains;
- Train others who work for the contractor.
REASON #3: It’s the law.
A contractor who violates the lead regulations may be fined up to $37,500 for each violation per day. Before beginning work, your contractor must give you a pamphlet entitled Renovate Right.
Jurin Roofing Services highly recommends you hire an RRP contractor when considering renovations to a building that was constructed before 1978 where lead-based paint may be present.
For more information regarding the EPA’s RRP program visit their website at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-renovation-repair-and-painting-program.
