Lead Paint – Know the Laws
Recently Magnolia Homes, the parent company for the stars from HGTV Fixer Upper, were fined $40,000 by the EPA for mishandling lead paint.
In some of their episodes they conduct renovations in homes that have lead paint without adequate lead paint protections. This violates the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). The rule indicates that renovations conducted in homes built before 1978 must use specific precautions to reduce the risk of lead exposure. The only way the individuals conducting the renovation don’t have to follow the requirements and precautions is if the building was tested prior to the renovations and the concentration of lead is less than the regulated amount in surface coatings.
The requirements and precautions of the RRP Rule, as shared by the EPA, include:
- Obtain firm certification from EPA before performing renovations covered by the RRP Rule;
- Assign a certified renovator to such renovations;
- Provide homeowners or occupants with an approved pamphlet about lead-based paint hazards prior to the renovation;
- Post signs to clearly define the work area and warn people to remain outside that area;
- Comply with the RRP Rule’s work practice standards, such as closing doors and windows to the interior work areas, covering floor surfaces, ducts and other openings to work areas with plastic sheeting, and covering the ground with plastic sheeting to capture falling paint chips from exterior renovations.
When remodeling homes that are older than 1978, be sure to take the precautions needed to ensure your safety as well as those around you from lead paint exposure. Here at Karl Environmental Group, we are trained and certified by the EPA to come in and inspect your home for lead paint and the levels. We also have the experience in proper removal of lead paint. Before you start your next remodeling project, give us a call.