A majority of homes built before 1978 contain lead-based paint, which can have a dangerous effect on the health of young children (under the age of six) and pregnant women.

Lead-based paint is unsafe if it peels, chips or cracks. Harmful lead dust is created when windows, doors, edges of stairs, rails, or other lead-based painted surfaces wear away over time. Many young children put their hands or other objects covered with lead dust in their mouths, which can cause serious damage to their health.

Also, soil around homes with lead-based paint may have lead in it. Children can accidentally swallow this soil or the soil may be tracked indoors from shoes onto floors where children can eventually come into contact with it.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule governing the work of professional remodelers in homes where there is lead-based paint took effect on April 22, 2010. The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than six square feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited or frequented by pregnant women and children under the age of six.

Renovation is broadly defined as any activity that disturbs painted surfaces and includes most remodeling and maintenance activities, including window and siding replacement. The “Certified Renovator” is required to ensure that the renovation is performed in accordance with the standards of the RRP Program.

The rule lists prohibited practices and also requires a cleaning inspection after the work is completed. Additionally, the rule establishes required lead-safe work practices, including posting warning signs; using disposable plastic drop cloths; cleaning the work area with HEPA vacuuming and wet washing; and individual certification through a training course. The full rule and additional information can be downloaded at www.epa.gov/lead.

The rules do not apply to homeowners doing their own work. The rule only applies if the work is being done for compensation. Homeowners have no responsibilities under the new EPA RRP rules. They can do their own work as they please, but are “encouraged” to follow lead-safe practices which can be found in the “Lead Paint Safety: A Field Guide for Painting, Home Maintenance, and Renovation Work” published by HUD.

It is important to note that these work practices may be waived under these conditions:

• The home or child occupied facility was built after 1978.

• The repairs are minor, with interior work disturbing less than six sq. ft. or exteriors disturbing less than 20 sq. ft.

• The homeowner may also opt out by signing a waiver if there are no children under age 6 frequently visiting the property, no one in the home is pregnant, or the property is not a child-occupied facility. The EPA is revoking the opt-out waiver as of July 2010. This means all remodeling work conducted in pre-1978 housing must comply with the regulation.

• If the house or components test lead-free by a Certified Risk Assessor, Lead Inspector, or Certified Renovator.

For a complete list of EPA Certified Firms and Renovators in our area contact the Spokane Home Builders Association at (509) 532-4990.