subject: Lead Paint Removal Or Disturbance: The Epa's New Rule About The Dangers Of Lead Paint Exposure [print this page] Renovating buildings can be tough workRenovating buildings can be tough work. After the contractual agreements and the acquisition of supplies required to fixing up buildings, there's still the part of refurbishing it. One dangerous component in the renovation of buildings is lead paint removal, which can produce lead dust. Lead dust is extremely hazardous and can result in harmful side effects and lead poisoning. Lead test kits are available to detect lead, however, you must be a Certified Lead Renovator to use one.
Even if you don't deal with lead paint removal, there are other ways to produce lead dust-sanding, demolition and any activity that can harm or ruin old paint can produce it. The dangers of lead dust will
most likely add to the difficulty of renovating buildings, making an already hard task complicated.
Though lead exposure is harmful regardless of who it affects, it is most prevalent among pregnant women and younger children. Exposures to minute amounts can result in lowered IQ, learning disabilities and behavioral problems and if exposure is at a higher level, it can lead to coma or even death. As older paint produced before the 1970's ages or crumbles it can produces lead dust, and any homes built before 1978 will most likely contain lead based paint. As a precaution, it is highly recommended
that younger children living in older homes take a lead test, as they may already have some exposure of lead.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, lead poisoning is the most widespread environmental health risk
to young children. Surprisingly, approximately 16 percent of children already have toxic levels of lead in
their blood. It is estimated that 30 percent of all homes contain lead. Nearly all lead poisoning arise at home and it is typically caused by unsafe renovations by not removing old or chipping paint.
The EPA, the government agency that polices the environment, has made rulings to protect against the risks associated with lead paint removal. It is now required that all firms performing renovations, painting or repairs on pre-1978 buildings must be certified through EPA-approved training
providers. Firms that do not meet this requirement by September 30th, 2010, may be fined up to $37,500. This affects renovation contractors, maintenance workers and specialty trades such as painters.
In addition to the new requirements, the EPA have made guidelines for firms performing renovationsin order
to protect against lead exposure risks. They entail the use of lead-safe work practices including but not
limiting to: containing the work area, cleaning up any debris that may contain dust and minimizing the production
of dust.
The request for lead-safe and lead-free facilities will increase as the knowledge of lead paint exposure grows. Firms must also inform their clients or householders of their lead based paint practices and any lead based paints used in their facility, as required by the government.
The obligation to meet these guidelines set by the EPA is to be beneficial to everyone. By using these safe renovation practices and getting EPA certified, firms not only avoid fines but also protect the safety of
future home owners and business owners. Renovating older buildings will produce lead dust that can lead to lead poisoning, and with these new rulings, lead paint removal dangers will be a thing of the past, ensuring the peace of mind for potential clients.
