The EPA has enacted a new ruling regarding lead paint.The new EPA Lead Paint RRP ruling enacted by the EPA takes effect as of April 22, 2010. Any contractor working on a home prior that is built prior to 1978 must test the paint for lead, in the areas effected by the renovation. Failure to due so may be liable for a fine of $37,500, Ouch!

The ruling is detailed in EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) Lead Paint, website. A brief summary of this ruling is:

On April 22, 2008, the EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects for compensation that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Failure to do so by an organization is susceptible to a fine of $37,500 for a first time offense, OUCH!

This ruling is a good rule to a certain respect. It is trying to make any disturbance of lead paint in a home built prior to 1978 be dealt with in a cautious and protective manner to not introduce contaminants into the air for others to become in contact with these airborne particles that would be floating in the air while the lead paint would be removed.

The health effects of lead paint as described in the following link: EPA, Basic Information or Lead Paint, Dust and Soil,

The agency estimates that 87% of homes built before 1940 and 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1978 have some lead-based paint.

A big concern of reputable contractors are that the homeowners may choose to avoid following the rules and will go with a contractor that will be will to take a chance on getting fined or not testing? As a business person that follows all the regulations of the local and federal government, of course this makes it tougher to do business, but we don’t have a choice! Do it right and follow the regulations or get out of business.

Next is the contractors that won’t spend the money to train their employees as Fine Construction has already done so and have completed and filed with the EPA to become a registered company per their requirements.

I am glad that the EPA is trying to protect all of us, from lead paint, too bad they are not protecting the ocean, wildlife and us from oil companies spewing millions of gallons of oil into the ocean.

Oh well its easier going after the small businesses than4 big (oil companies) business?

I look at it as a father and an owner of a 1921 home, my kids are growing and so far i haven’t seen my kids chewing on the paint on the window sills. I plan on testing for lead, but will i remove it? I don’t think so unless I’ll be remodeling.

This is an interesting and a big topic. This is just the beginning of the Lead paint RRP, if you are interested in remodeling and doing it right give me a buzz.

Thomas Fine, CGR, CGP and GMB

(Certified Graduate Remodeler, Certified Green Professional, Graduate Master Builder)