 The older your home is...the more likely it contains lead-based paint...
Lead poisoning should not be considered a "problem of the past" or a problem to be ignored. We have found in many of our conversations with clients that there are a some misconceptions about lead. The first misconception is that "only children get lead poisoned."
This is not true. The one main difference between a child or
an adult getting lead poisoned is the amount of lead it takes. Of course, lead is
the most dangerous in children under the age of 6 years because their
brains are still developing -- lead poisoning can cause developmental and behavioral problems down the line. In many other ways lead affects adults
the same way it does children.
The second misconception is that "you can only get lead poisoned by
eating paint chips." Again, not true. Most children and adults are usually exposed by "second hand" contact. For example, a
cat sits in a window well that has paint chips and dust in it and
regularly sleeps with the child; a window is left open and blows the
paint chips and dust onto children's toys or clothes; children play
with their toys near a door where paint chips and dust have
accumulated. The dust gets on their toys which then gets on the
child's hands. With adults, exposure is usually through hobbies or
occupation.
The last misconception is that "lead only occurs in paint." The
term "lead based paint" is somewhat of a misnomer. Lead can occur in
any coating including primers, varnish, stains, shellacs, etc. As of April 22nd, renovation or painting companies who work on
homes older than 1978 are required to comply with a number of parameters set out by a new Renovation, Repair and Painting Program (RRP) with the EPA. The program is part of
enforcing the 1992 EPA lead law.
Thomas Buckborough Associates is
now a registered "Lead-Safe Certified Firm". In addition, we have two
"Certified Renovators" on staff. Here are the highlights of the new
program:
- Contractors must take training to learn how to perform lead-safe
work practices and become "Certified Renovators".
- After April 22, 2010, federal law will require contractors to be
certified and to use lead-safe work practices. To become certified,
renovation contractors must submit an application and fee payment to
EPA.
- Provide a copy of your EPA or state lead training certificate to
your client.
- Tell your client what lead-safe methods you will use to perform the
job.
- Learn the lead laws that apply to you regarding certification and
lead-safe work practices beginning in April 22nd, 2010.
- Ask your client to share the results of any previously conducted
lead tests.
- Provide your client with references from at least three recent jobs
involving homes built before 1978.
- Keep records to demonstrate that you and your workers have been
trained in lead-safe work practices and that you followed lead-safe work
practices on the job.
According to EPA estimates, some 37.8 million homes will fall under the aegis of the new rule. While some contractors and homeowners say complying with the new law will drive up costs, many hail it as a positive step toward protecting children, pregnant women and others from lead poisoning. About 35% of homes in the United States contain lead-based paint, which was banned in 1978. The older the home, the more likely it contains lead.
The EPA is currently focusing its efforts on bringing contractors into compliance and working on fining violators. [The EPA can seek civil penalties of $32,500 per violation and criminal penalties of $32,500 as well as jail time against firms that knowingly violate the regulation.] Some 8.4 million renovation projects will be regulated by the new rule in the first year.
Feel free to contact us with questions or concerns about these new lead-safe practices. Please help spread the word that TBA is certified and ready to help homeowners safely remodel their older home!
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