health

Federal Lead Paint Laws Tough on Contractors

Federal regulations designed to eliminate childhood lead poisoning go into effect this month. The change brings strict new requirements for building contractors, property owners, renovators and a host of others who work with lead paint.

The new law applies to replacing any window. (Photo by Nancy Eve Cohen)

While health advocates call the regulations long overdue, some contractors say the cost to comply is way too high. As part of a collaboration with Northeast stations, New Hampshire Public Radio’s Amy Quinton reports.

At the New Hampshire Homebuilders Association, contractors are spreading large sheets of plastic over the floor.

“Let’s get our plastic over here. How far up on this wall are we going to lay our tape or our plastic?”

That’s New Hampshire state lead inspector Charles Hillsgrove.  He’s explaining to contractors how to lay protective sheets down during renovation jobs.  Hillsgrove is one of the instructors for a lead paint certification course for contractors.

“What we’re trying to teach them is how to contain their workspace so that no dust gets on the floor in people’s homes, how do you keep the dust in this one room.”

It’s lead dust that poisons most children. In New Hampshire 150 children each year are poisoned by lead, a third of them following a home renovation. In Massachusetts more than 800 children are poisoned every year and in New York  it’s as high as 1500 children.

Kate Kirkwood, who teaches lead certification courses, made that point clear to contractors in a recent class in New Hampshire.

“If we know that the dust we make is toxic, and we’re not trained to do what we should do with it to clean it up afterwards, we walk away, and kids get sick.”

Under the new law, the Environmental Protection Agency will require contractors to take precautions and get certified or potentially face a fine of up to $37,500 per occurrence per day. That may sound steep, but James Bryson, with EPA New England, says the costs are not excessive.

“If you’re not doing this, you’re not protecting your work area, then you could have a child that could be lead poisoned and that’s something we don’t want, no cost is too high for that.”

The law applies to anyone who accepts payment for work in buildings constructed before 1978, the year when lead paint was banned. It applies to any job that disturbs more than six square feet of space, and includes any window replacement.
The EPA estimates that 236,000 renovators nationwide need to get training. But Kirkwood says it’s likely many more. And she says there aren’t enough trainers.

“Last time I checked there were fewet than 100 trainers nationwide. In the state of Maine, they told me they thought there were 16,000 contractors that needed to be trained, and we’ve trained about 600 so far.”

Charles Freiberger, makes homes handicap accessible in New Hampshire. He says he found out about the new certification requirements by chance recently at a home show.

“Most contractors have no clue, I’ll bet probably between 80 and 90% of contractors aren’t even aware of this rule.” But the lack of awareness isn’t the main problem for contractors. It’s the cost.

Companies or individuals who do work have to pay a $300 registration fee with the EPA, on top of taking a $200 certification course. Then there are added costs for protective plastics and vacuums.

Len Perkins with C.P. Property Restorers in New Hampshire says it’s a good rule, but comes at the wrong time. And he says the fines for not complying could put a small company out of business.

“We’re looking at an economy right now with a saturation of contractors. The government is not realizing what these costs and expenses are going to do to a populace that’s already suffering heavily because of the present economy.”

States have the option of enforcing the new regulations on contractors for the EPA and make them even stricter. So far, no states in the Northeast have taken that on.

Read more on WNPR Connecticut Public Radio

Lead Based Paint What a Buyer Should Know

Anytime a person buys an older home, it is only logical to assume that some lead-based paint is on the premises. Typically, this is not much of a concern unless the paint is flaking off or if a major renovation is planned.

If purchasing a home built before 1982, a buyer might expect it to contain some lead in the paint that was used over the years. The manufacture of lead-based paint was discontinued in 1978; however existing product was used in homes through 1982, when supplies were depleted. The general guideline is to expect at least a strong probability of lead-based paints in older homes. This information applies to exterior and interior painted surfaces. Inside the home, lead-based paint was more common for trim than on the walls.

Lead-based paint is not considered to be a problem as long as the substance does not become airborne or easy to access (no flaking off — so a child could ingest pieces). Maintaining all siding, exterior trim, interior trim, walls and woodwork in a well-painted and covered state minimizes possible exposure to lead. If a buyer has a special concern about lead based paints, easy and affordable lab tests are available to positively identify these products. When renovating or remodeling, a number of safety precautions should be followed if lead-based paint is present. An online search for “lead-based paint” will quickly provide the consumer with a full range of safety tips as compiled by numerous government agencies and other industry professionals.

City to offer lead class

City to offer lead class
On Friday, the city of Galveston will offer a free Lead-Based Paint Renovator Training Course.

Read more on Galveston County Daily News

Buying Older Character Homes: What You Should Know About Lead Paint

For many home buyers the fabulous potential and charm in older character homes is well worth the time and effort that it can take to restore or renovate them; restoring or renovating older homes isn’t just a time and money sink however, it can also be a health hazard. In homes pre-dating 1940, it is assured that lead paint was most certainly used inside the home and possibly outside as well; homes between that time and the early 1970s may well have lead paint in them as well.

You may well wonder what the danger is in having lead paint on the walls of your home, after all, it’s not like you or anyone in your family is going to be chewing on them—at least not that you’re aware of. Well, it just so happens that you don’t have to chew on a painted wall to get lead poisoning from the paint on it. It is true that one way that you can get lead poisoning is from ingesting paint chips that have come off the deteriorating surface of a painted surface but that is less likely to occur than from exposure to lead dust. When aged paint deteriorates it breaks down—or “chalks”—releasing lead dust; this dust is picked up off the wall and other surfaces from touch and may be ingested when you put your hands to your mouth, it can also be inhaled from the air.

Exposure to lead particles can cause permanent damage to children and adults alike; lead paint is the major source of lead poisoning in children. In children the repercussions are usually brain damage, impaired mental function, and hindered mental and physical development. Pregnant women exposed to lead dust can also pass these types of effects on their fetus through their bloodstream, making it a very important component to rid your house of when you have or are expecting children. Adults can certainly suffer from lead poisoning as well, but because their development is complete, the results are different. Lead poisoning in adults causes irritability, poor coordination, nerve damage, reproductive problems, and high blood pressure.

The only way to tell if you have lead poisoning is to have a blood test to check for levels of lead in your system.

Slightly more complicated is testing for lead in your home. While there are home tests available, they deliver poor results and are quite likely to deliver inaccurate results. Lab tests will give accurate results and are quite reasonable cost-wise. Lab tests to check for lead paint will ask you to submit a number of paint samples cut from the walls of your home.

To keep your family safe and healthy it is recommended that you wet-wipe down lead paint surfaces to keep dust to a minimum until you can have the lead paint professionally removed by a lead abatement specialist. While the paint is being removed from your home it is best to stay elsewhere so that you don’t increase your exposure. To help reduce your exposure you can also use a high-phosphorus cleaner to keep the amount of lead dust to a minimum; any cleaning solutions are only a temporary measure against exposure though, don’t rely on that to keep your family safe.

Don’t let the possibility of lead paint scare you away from buying older homes, they can be amazing places to live and many of them have already had their paint removed by previous owners. If you do need to have the paint removed in one of these otherwise idyllic abodes rest assured that the final result will be well worth the time and effort.

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

There are many regulations and statutes pertaining to lead-paint hazards. We’re providing you with links to a number of the most important ones, especially as they relate to our grant programs.

Information on EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

Title X Regulations (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act)

The Environmental Protection Agency‘s Lead Regulations for Lead in Paint, Dust, and Soil

U.S. Department of Labor – Occupational Safety & Health Administration

• Public Law 102-550 – Residential Lead-based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992
• Title X, Sections 1012 and 1013 – Requirements for the Notification, Evaluation, and Reduction of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Federally Owned Residential Property and Housing Receiving Federal Assistance.
  Visit HUD‘s Lead-Safe Housing Rule web site to learn more.
• Title X, Section 1018 – Requirements for the Disclosure of Known Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing (HUD’s Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule web site has more information)

April 22 deadline approaching for lead certification

April 22 deadline approaching for lead certification
Beginning next month, federal law will require contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 must be certified in the new EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and follow specific work practices to reduce human exposures to lead.

Read more on Logan Herald-Observer & Woodbine Twiner

The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

On April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Until that time, HUD and EPA recommend that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.

There are some differences between the EPA RRP Rule and the HUD Lead Safe Housing Rule (LSHR). A major difference is that the LSHR requires clearance examinations. All housing receiving federal assistance must still comply with the LSHR. OHHLHC provides Information on complying with the LSHR and RRP, and Frequently-asked Questions from Grantees. Additional information for renovators is available.

All contractors should follow these three simple procedures:

From December 2008, the rule has required that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint provide to owners and occupants of child care facilities and to parents and guardians of children under age six that attend child care facilities built prior to 1978 the lead hazard information pamphlet Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools (PDF) | en español (PDF)

Starting on April 22, 2010, the rule will affect paid renovators who work in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:

Read EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program Rule.

Additional information on becoming an EPA-certified renovator or training provider is available on EPA’s Renovator and Trainer Tool Box site.

Effective Dates of the Rule

• Renovation contractors
• Maintenance workers in multi-family housing
• Painters and other specialty trades.

Under the rule, child-occupied facilities are defined as residential, public or commercial buildings where children under age six are present on a regular basis. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. The rule does not apply to minor maintenance or repair activities where less than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where less then 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. Window replacement is not minor maintenance or repair.

• Contain the work area.
• Minimize dust.
• Clean up thoroughly.

lead paint Video for Children

wash your hands before you eat kiddies!

Children’s Products Containing Lead; Lead Paint Rule

The CPSIA lowers the amount of lead that can be in children’s products. Section 101 sets new limits for the lead content in children’s products and the amount of lead in the paint used on those products.

Lead Content Limits

The limits on the amount of lead in children’s products are phased in over the course of three years. By February 10, 2009, products designed or intended primarily for children 12 and younger may not contain more than 600 ppm of lead. Children’s products that contain more lead than 600 ppm are banned in the U.S. after February 10, 2009, and the sale of those products can result in significant civil and criminal liability. The statute provides that paint, coatings or electroplating may not be considered a barrier that would make the lead content of a product inaccessible to a child. After 1 year from enactment, or August 14, 2009, products designed or intended primarily for children 12 and younger cannot contain more than 300 ppm of lead. The limit goes down to 100 ppm after three years, or August 14, 2011, unless the Commission determines that it is not technologically feasible to have this lower limit.

Some children’s products may be exempted or excused from these new lead limits if a component part containing lead is inaccessible. The Commission will provide guidance by rule on what component parts are inaccessible within a year. The Commission will also evaluate whether certain electronic devices, including devices that contain batteries, must comply with the lead limit.

Lead in Paint Limit

In addition, after 1 year or August 14, 2009, the Act provides that paint and similar surface-coating materials for consumer use must be reduced from 600 ppm to 90 ppm.

Effective Date: Lead content limit of 600 ppm becomes effective 180 days after enactment. An advisory opinion regarding the application of the new lead limit to inventory existing at the effective date can be found on our web site at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/advisory/317.pdf. The lead content limit lowers again to 300 ppm at 1 year after enactment. The lead in paint limit goes down to 90 ppm 1 year after enactment.

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• New Lead Paint Laws Aim to Protect Children But Kids Are Still at Risk (homesecuritysource.com)

Lead Paint Poisoning – A Chronic Health Issue

Many children have suffered lead poisoning. Find out the symptoms and complications and how you can go about getting compensation if your child has suffered lead paint poisoning.

Despite implementation of regulatory preventative measures, lead poisoning remains a chronic health issue, particularly for children. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 310,000 children have elevated lead levels. The US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Agency approximates one in 6 children has a high lead level in their blood.

Children are vulnerable to lead poisoning as their absorption rate is much higher than adults. Gastrointestinal absorption in children is 40 to 50 percent, versus 3 to 10 percent in adults.

Chronic lead paint poisoning is cumulative over a long period of time. Toxic concentration may occur after many years of a minimal degree of exposure to lead paint. Chronic lead poisoning is the most common form. Acute lead poisoning infrequently occurs due to the large amount of lead intake required over a relatively short period of time.

Lead paint was banned in 1978 after scientists discovered its harmful effects. However, low income children still tend to have higher susceptibility to lead paint poisoning. They typically reside in older homes or buildings that pre-date the prohibition of lead paint and whose building owners may not have deleaded their properties. Federal law requires states lead paint hazards known by sellers, landlords and realtors must be disclosed.

However, it is not necessary for children to live in a building containing lead paint to suffer poisoning. Regularly visiting a home which has lead paint or is in the process of being remodeled or deleaded poses a risk.

Lead paint becomes brittle over time and deteriorates. This disintegration produces lead dust, particularly around windowsills and door frames where friction is caused by the opening and closing of windows and doors. The dust settles on surfaces children come in contact with, such as floors and toys, and is transferred to their mouths by hands and toys.

Another factor in lead paint poisoning is chipping or peeling. A child who eats a chip the size of a thumbnail will have ingested enough lead to be life endangering.

Children suffering from lead paint poisoning may exhibit any of the following symptoms:

* Anemia
* Learning disabilities
* Hyperactivity
* Mental retardation
* Kidney malfunction
* Hearing Loss
* Headaches

Infants in utero exposed to lead may have the additional concerns of:

* Low birth weight
* Low gestational age
* Growth retardation
* Delayed sexual maturation in females.

A blood test is the only conclusive method to diagnose lead poisoning. For children at risk from lead paint poisoning, it is recommended blood tests be performed at six months of age. All other children should be tested at one and two years old. Testing is vital as the child may not demonstrate any symptoms of lead poisoning.

Some states have mandatory lead poisoning blood tests for children. The ages of testing may vary according to the state.