The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) has alerted homeowners that a new law instituted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) effective last spring, requires remodelers working in homes built before 1978 to test for lead and be certified to work in areas in the home containing lead using lead safety practices.
"Lead is harmful to both children and adults. In children, a tiny amount of exposure can lead to neurological damage, and in adults, lead inhalation can lead to hypertension, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and nausea among other symptoms," according to Bob Boothroyd, owner of The Boothroyd Group and an EPA Certified Renovator in Connecticut.
8-Hour Training Course
The EPA is calling for all remodelers who intend to work in pre-1978 homes to register their company and complete an 8-hour training and certification course with an accredited trainer. The course teaches remodelers how to safely contain lead in a home as it is being disturbed and reduce exposure to residents and workers.
NARI says it wants homeowners to know how to protect themselves from harmful lead exposure. If you know your home was built before 1978, you should ask your remodeler if they plan to test for lead, according to the group.
Watch for ‘Red Flag’
"Consider it a red flag if a remodeler doesn't mention lead if you live in an older home,“ according to Boothroyd. The law requires that renovators give homeowners an EPA lead brochure and have it signed to signal that homeowners have been properly notified of the dangers. If owners of a pre-1978 home decide to remodel, it is important that the remodeler identifies exactly where the lead is by using a lead test.
Safety Procedures
From there tenants must watch to make sure remodelers are following three main safety procedures instituted by the EPA:
· Containing the work area-usually with heavy plastic and tape sealing all areas leading outside of the area.
· Minimizing the dust-by avoiding techniques that create greater friction, for example sanding tends to create more dust and increases risk of exposure.
· Clean up thoroughly-includes sweeping access dust on a daily basis to minimize exposure. As a final step, remodelers should use a HEPA vacuum to clean up leftover lead particles.
Remodelers are obligated to prove their certification by displaying their lead-based paint license, certificate or training certificate to homeowners. Note that each state also contains its own requirements in addition to the EPA, and the certificate should reflect the state in which the work is being completed.
Contact Information
The EPA also recommends that homeowners have the remodelers specify what the final lead inspection entails. If a homeowner has any doubts about the quality of lead safe practices being conducted in their homes, they may call 1-800-424-5323.
Trade association NARI, based in Des Plaines, IL, is dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. It represents more than 8,200 member companies nationwide. www.RemodelToday.com
