What can you tell me about the new EPA rule regarding lead paint and home improvement?

If you live in a home built before 1978 and you’re contemplating any work that will disturb more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside the home or 20 square feet on the exterior of the home – for example, replacing a window, installing cabinets, or adding on to your home – the contractor you hire is required by law to be trained and certified by the EPA.

Tips for Home Owners

1. Hire an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Renovator for your home remodeling project.
   Professional remodelers who have achieved EPA Lead-Safe Certification are trained and prepared to work in pre-1978 homes for minimizing dust and potential lead paint exposures. These workers also have certified their firms and carry an EPA seal verifying their qualifications.
2. Read Renovate Right.
   Your Certified Renovator will provide you a copy of the Renovate Right brochure produced by the EPA.
3. Pay attention to warning signs and do not enter containment areas.
   The Certified Renovator will post warning signs and set up areas of containment using plastic to keep dust under control. Pay attention to these notices and stay away from these areas. The remodeler uses these techniques and lead-safe work practices to minimize lead dust exposure.
4. Consider testing for lead.
   You may ask the Certified Renovator to use LeadCheck or D-Lead test kits for testing certain surfaces for lead. If the test comes back negative, the remodeler will not need to use lead safe work practices because the component has tested lead-free. Alternatively, a home owner may choose to hire a certified risk assessor or lead inspector to conduct testing in the home for lead. Any pre-1978 home can be tested for lead and if the results are negative, the EPA lead rule does not apply.
5. Maintain records about your home remodel.
   After the remodeling job is complete the EPA Certified Renovator will share records with you, such as a checklist describing the work practices used and any results from lead testing. Be sure to keep these records and share them with the next home owner if you should sell your home.