It lies waiting beneath the surface in millions of homes, waiting for remodelers, painters or do-it-yourselfers to send it airborne and into their lungs: highly toxic lead.
Although the EPA banned use of lead-based paint over 30 years ago, it is present in many homes built before that 1978 law went into effect. And every time an older home is painted or renovated, owners and workers run the risk of exposure.
There was talk, in 1992, of requiring contractors to be trained and certified in the containment and removal of lead. It never happened. But it’s happening now.
This month, the EPA introduces rules that will significantly affect how we go about the business of making old homes new again. In short:
- Contractors must be able to show proof that they have been certified in lead-safe containment practices.
- Occupants, particularly children under six years of age and pregnant women should not enter the work area during the demolition or preparation phase of renovation or painting if work area has tested positive for lead.
- Pets are also at risk.
Here’s the reason: Demolition of or sanding of surfaces to be painted produces dust. And dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead.
There is a plain language publication available online called Renovate Right at the EPA website.
If you’d care to be even better informed -or more frightened, as the case may be- take a look at the “worst in class” list published by Healthy Building Network. The article highlights substances used in the manufacture of building materials that probably should not be.
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