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EPA Issues New Lead Paint Rules
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued new rules designed to prohibit work practices creating lead hazards in the renovation and repair of pre-1978 housing, child-care facilities and schools.
The "Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program" rule, which takes effect in April 2010, includes requirements to implement lead-safe work practices and certification and training for contractors and maintenance professionals. The EPA will also conduct an extensive education and outreach campaign to promote awareness of these new requirements.
Potentially impacting companies involved in window and door replacement and other remodeling projects, the new requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities where more than 6 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Trained contractors must post warning signs, restrict occupants from work areas, contain work areas to prevent dust and debris from spreading, conduct a thorough cleanup, and verify that cleanup was effective.
"While there has been a dramatic decrease over the last two decades in the number of children affected by lead-poisoning, EPA is continuing its efforts to take on this preventable disease," says James Gulliford, EPA's assistant administrator for prevention, pesticides and toxic substances. "[These] new rules will require contractors to be trained and to follow simple but effective lead-safe work practices to protect children from dangerous levels of lead."
More information on the EPA lead program, rules and certification can be obtained at www.epa.gov/lead. Interested parties may call 800/424-5323 for copies of an educational brochure on the new policies.
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