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For Immediate Release: July 15, 2011
Contact:
Michael O'Brien, (202) 367-1280

EPA Announces it Will Not Impose Clearance Testing/Dust Wipe Rule

 

Expansion of the EPA Lead Rule Was Vigorously Opposed by WDMA, Industry Groups and Members of Congress 

[Washington, DC]  Following significant criticism from a number of industry groups, including the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA), and a number of members of Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced it was not expanding its Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) Rule to include dust wipe sampling and clearance testing requirements as proposed in May 2010. 

 

"After carefully weighing all available information and considering the public comments, EPA has concluded it is not necessary to impose new lead-dust sampling and laboratory analysis, known as the clearance requirements, as part of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule.  The Agency believes that the existing lead-safe work practices and clean up requirements -- which went into place in 2010 -- will protect people from lead dust hazards created during renovations jobs without the need for additional clearance requirements," EPA announced in a statement.

 

EPA did announce it was making some changes that "clarifiy and strengthen the current lead-safe work practices, including requiring that a vertical containment system or equivalent measures be used when outside renovations are performed within 10 feet of a property line, and that HEPA-vacuum filters be changed at regular intervals."  WDMA will be reviewing those changes for their impact on the industry.

 

"Today's announcement is a significant victory for WDMA, its building industry allies, homeowners and the members of Congress who have led the charge on this issue," said WDMA President Michael O'Brien.  "In particular, we would like to thank Senator Jim Inhofe and Congressman Bob Latta for their leadership in organizing Senate and House opposition to the Clearance Testing Rule."

 

WDMA will continue in its efforts to bring the LRRP Rule back on track with what was originally approved in 2008, in particular efforts to reinstate the opt-out provision for homeowners who do not have children under six or pregnant women present in their home.  The association will also oppose efforts to expand the rule to commercial buildings.

 

To download a pre-publication copy of the rule, please click here. 

The Window & Door Manufacturers Association is the premier trade association representing the leading manufacturers of residential and commercial window, door and skylight products for the domestic and export markets. WDMA members are focused on Total Product Performance™ products that are designed and built to performance-based standards. The association is focused on key member needs in the areas of advocacy, product performance, education and information and facilitating business interactions and relationships in the fenestration eco-system. For more information, please visit www.wdma.com.
 
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