Lead Laws

Star-Eagle Independent Newspaper – JUN 2010

In the world of home improvement and remodeling of any type, by any one, there is a date that should now live in the minds of contractors and homeowners for all of future history. April 22, 2010. The day the “Lead Laws” went into effect. Earth Day.

If your home was built in 1978 or before, this law impacts it.

I’ll tell you right now that there is a lot of detail in this law. There is plenty to read if you want to absorb every word. There is also some miss-information floating around that is confusing some people, and there is downright fear in the construction community on what this may do to them and their businesses.

So in an effort to help you out and to let you read and understand for yourself, posted on my website, JoePrin.com, http://www.joeprin.com/radio-show-info/is some literature you can click and read or download. There is the EPA Lead Basic Facts sheet, the EPA Checking Contractors flyer, and the 30 some page Federal Register of the complete law text. You can also call the National Lead Information Center: 1-800-424-5323 for information or questions.

The issue? Out there in the world around us, a lot of lead paint was used on various surfaces: walls, trim, doors, windows, and furniture. When lead dust is ingested, say for example by a child crawling on dusty floor, fingers go in mouth, and if there was lead in that dust, it stays in their body forever.

From the EPA…FACT: Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born. FACT: Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. FACT: You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead. FACT: You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard. FACT: Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

So we know that elevated levels of lead can cause learning disabilities as well as other health issues. Therefore, lead dust needs to be handled properly to protect people.

The Federal law puts the responsibility of safe handling on the contractors working in your home. From the EPA brochure I mention above ”… federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb more than six square feet of paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and trained to follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.” Read again, slowly, every word.

Idaho State Law requires Contractors to be registered with the State and to carry Liability Insurance. Most insurance companies require their insured contractors to comply with State and Federal laws. Therefore, I am assuming that most Contractors will need to be trained and certified by the EPA to maintain their insurance.

Personally, I was lead safe certified in 2002. WAS. My certification has expired. I guess if I want to work on houses built in 1978 or older, I better get back to class. And you the homeowner, better start asking some questions of your contractors.

Joe and Vicki Prin own Joe Prin Remodeling LLC, Idaho Registered Contractor #RCE-23530, and can be contacted at 573-1082 or by email- joe@joeprin.com. Listen to the HomeFix Radio show hosted by Joe, Saturdays, 9-10 AM on 670 KBOI