(Kansas City, Kan., March 11, 2010) - Beginning next month, federal law will require that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting plans that disturb paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified in the new E.P.A. Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposures to lead.
Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, E.P.A. issued a
rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. All contractors must be trained and certified by April 22, 2010.
Landlords, property managers, and their employees are responsible for ensuring compliance with the rule and play an important role in protecting public health by helping prevent lead exposure from their housing units. Lead-based paint was used in in excess of 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.
To locate an EPA-accredited training provider or to learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint, visit EPA's Get Lead Safe
Web location or contact the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
For information about Iowa's certification and training program, contact the Iowa Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention, 515-281-3479 or 1-800-972-2026, or visit the state's
Web location .
For information about the Kansas certification and training program, contact the Kansas Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, 1-800-865-3233, or visit
www.kshealthyhomes.org .
Missouri and Nebraska residents can locate an EPA-accredited training provider through EPA's Get Lead Safe
Web location or by calling the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Information is also accessible from E.P.A. Region seven by calling 1-800-223-0425.
