WASHINGTON – As of April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that renovations and repairs of pre-1978 housing must now be conducted using safe practices to protect children and pregnant women from exposure to lead-based paint.

 

EPA proposed the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which requires contractors to be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices, in 2006. In 2008, EPA finalized the rule and set April 22, 2010, as the implementation date. To date, EPA has certified 204 training providers who have conducted more than 6,900 courses, training an estimated 160,000 people in the construction and remodeling industries to use lead-safe work practices.

 

The new rule requires that renovation firms must be certified by the EPA, individuals must be trained in lead-safe work practices, and that all those providing training must be EPA accredited.

 

EPA will continue to provide support and assistance to states, industry and communities on all aspects of implementing this rule. Recognizing the large number of contractors and homes subject to the rule, EPA is increasing its outreach efforts and providing guidance to facilitate compliance and ease the transition period following the rule’s effective date. This guidance can be obtained at www.epa.gov/lead. EPA has an 800 number to respond to inquiries about the new requirements: 800/424.5323.

 

Renovators working in Mississippi, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, Rhode Island or Utah need to contact their states to learn more about applicable certification and training requirements. Those states have adopted their own Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) programs in lieu of EPA's RRP program,