Did you know that many homes and buildings built before 1978 have lead-based paint? The federal government did not ban the use of lead paint on homes until the 1970’s. This can be a problem for you or your customers, especially those with historic homes. 

First, let’s talk about why lead-paint was so popular. Painters used lead-based paint because they thought it was the best choice for home owners. This was because of lead-based paint’s durability and water resistance. The lead paint adhered better to wood than other paints and also contracted and expanded rather than peel and crack like other paints. Additionally, while other paints absorbed water, lead-based paint proved to be water resistant. Unfortunately, little was known about the toxicity of lead-based paint.

So, now that the health hazards of lead have been well established, we need to mitigate lead paint in an effective and safe manner. If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. This dust is toxic! It is especially toxic to children. 

Before starting any project make sure to find out how to protect yourself and occupants of the building being worked on by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead

A couple important steps in working lead-safe are:

• Set up the job safely
• Minimize the dust
• Use proper safety equipment such as a NIOSH approved respirator to control lead exposure.
• Clean up completely and carefully using a HEPA vacuum and wet mop.

Contractors need to learn about the EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program. It requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 be certified by EPA and use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency manages the Lead-Safe Certification program in most states. However, several states are administered through their own programs within the state. Click here to learn about your state.

For contractors, getting certified is easy and quick. First step is to submit an application and a fee to the EPA. You will need to have a “Certified Renovator” on the job, along with employees trained in removal of lead-safe practices. To become a Certified Renovator, a person must complete a renovator training course accredited by EPA or an EPA authorized program which will teach you how to work lead safe. Click here to learn more. 

Click here to visit the EPA website to learn about how to become certified and learn all about being lead-safe.