Today is D-day for Lead Paint Rule

April 22nd, 2010. By AbiK

Most of us don’t really think much about lead paint. Or lead anything for that matter. It only becomes an issue when there’s some report of lead appearing in a toy or someone’s about to buy (or renovate) an old house.

But lead was in the spotlight today, April 22nd, 2010. That’s because today was D-day for contractors who might find themselves working in homes, buildings, offices or schools that were built prior to 1978. Why 1978? Because that’s when the ban on lead paint went into effect—so anything built prior to ’78 may have used lead paint in its construction.

The EPA’s lead paint rule now requires contractors to take extra precautions—quite a few of them—when working in older homes and buildings to avoid unnecessary exposure to lead paint dust and particles. If you’re thinking, ok, so they’ll have to wear a dust mask, then you’re in for a bit of a surprise when you hear what this rule actually requires.

Contractors, as of today, have to be certified as “lead-safe” by the EPA—and at least one person on each job site must complete an eight-hour training course. They will have to wear special gear

 that includes air filters, goggles and hoods. The areas where they’re working will need to be protected with heavy plastic and sealed. And work sites have to be cleaned thoroughly with special vacuums. Warning signs need to be posted as well to alert others that they are in the midst of a lead-paint hazard area.

This new federal rule has, needless to say, sent some shockwaves through the construction industry—not because they didn’t know it was coming. The rule was announced two years ago by the EPA. According to an AP article today, about 800 members from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) were in Washington this spring and “many were making an eleventh-hour attempt to lobby lawmakers for a delay for the rule.”

On the surface, having the lead paint rule makes sense. As the AP report notes, “If not detected early, high levels of lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, result in behavior and learning problems such as hyperactivity, or cause slow growth. Lead also can cause reproductive problems, high blood pressure, nervous disorders and memory problems in adults.”

Unfortunately, the reality is that safety comes at a price. In order for contractors to comply with the EPA rule, cost will go up—and not just a little. Estimates suggest that for projects costing more than $5,000, there could be an added cost of $500 to $1,500—though the EPA has projected the added cost to be more in the range of $8 to $167 (where they get such specific—and low—estimates is anyone’s guess; I was unable to find the EPA detail to support their estimates).

Given that many homeowners are biting the bullet right now and staying put–opting to renovate rather than attempt to sell, it’s a good time to be aware of this new rule. If your home was built prior to 1978, make sure your contractor is lead paint certified and that he is following the above guidelines when working in areas that may contain lead paint. And don’t be surprised if your bill comes out a bit higher than you’d anticipated.

Tags: EPA, Lead Paint

This was posted on Thursday, April 22nd, 2010 at 8:13 pm and is filed under Environment, Personal Injury . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.