Lead is a scary substance, and what is even scarier? The fact that 75% of houses in the United States contain lead paint and millions of people, especially children, are exposed every day. As a contractor, it is incredibly important to go through the proper lead renovator training to become a certified lead renovator in order to ensure the health and well-being of your clients.
Due to differing standards of the years past, lead is all over. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 90% of pre-1940 buildings, 80% of pre-1960 buildings, along with 62% of pre-1978 buildings have lead in their dust, paint, water supplies, or even in their soil.
This hazard has the largest impact on children. In the United States, one out of every six children has a toxic level of lead in their bodies. Set by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 micrograms per deciliter of blood is a level of concern. Children are the most at risk for lead poisoning because they can touch contaminated surfaces and put their hands in their mouths. Lead can have serious, long-lasting results. Over 600,000 new cases of children developing intellectual disabilities happen every year because of lead exposure. Lead poisoned children are seven times more likely to drop out of school and six times more likely to be involved in the juvenile justice system.
The good news is that the government has been cracking down and monitoring the amount of lead in domestic paints. The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 requires the disclosure of known lead hazards at the time of sale or lease of a home built before 1978. Since December 1997, the limit has been 0.1%.
Becoming EPA lead certified is an easy process that includes taking lead certification courses and lead inspector training in order to properly educate you on how to prevent lead exposure to your customers, workers, and yourself. The United States Environmental Protection Agency provides a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule to establish requirements for firms and individuals performing renovations per each state. All you have to do in order to become a certified lead renovator is to submit an application and fee online to the EPA. Doing so will grow your business and keep you safe, so apply today!
