North Carolina Authorized to Implement the Lead Renovation Plan

(ATLANTA - January 27, 2010) On January 21, 2010, the state of North Carolina received authorization to administer and enforce EPA's Lead Renovation Program. The authorization became effective upon EPA's receipt of the state's certified Renovation Authorization Application which was submitted by Governor Bev Purdue. Chief Deputy Attorney General Grayson G. Kelley has certified that the North Carolina Program, which will be administered by the Division of Public Health, is at least as protective as EPA's and provides adequate enforcement.

"EPA appreciates North Carolina's initiative to prevent further lead poisoning by ensuring that work that disturbs paint is done in a lead-safe manner," said Acting Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg. "Renovators and rental property owners play a major role part in protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in the home."

The RRP plan mandates that contractors, property managers and others working for compensation, in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be trained and use lead-safe work practices. They are also required to provide the lead pamphlet "Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools" to owners and occupants before starting renovation work.

Lead contaminated dust is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. 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, development delays and behavioral problems in young children.

You can learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint and EPA's lead plan at http://www.epa.gov/lead or by contacting the National Lead Information Center at 800-424-LEAD (5323).

For more information about North Carolina's new program, including information on applying for certification or locating training, contact the North Carolina Lead Plan at 919 707-5950 or visit the state Web location at www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead.html.