New Certification Requirements Effective April 22, 2010 for Contractors Working on Older Homes
Effective April 22, 2010, contractors performing work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 are required to become trained and certified as Lead-Safe by the EPA. This is in result to the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program passed in 2008.
According to the EPA, two out of three homes built between 1940 and 1960 have lead-based paint. Lead poisoning damages the nervous system and causes lifetime developmental and behavioral problems. Studies show, repair and restoration projects on homes with lead based paint increase the chance for people to be exposed.
Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in penalties of up to $37,500 per day per violation. More information regarding certification and those required to follow the rule can be found at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.