Was Your Home Built Prior to 1978?
There is no more “business as usual” as it affects remodeling homes built before 1978. There is a new federal law that went into effect this April by the EPA that will undoubtedly change the way remodeling contractors do business. The EPA developed what is known as RRP, or Renovate, Repair and Paint Act. It applies to all homes built before 1978 that risk disturbing lead-based paint during repairs, remodeling or painting activities.
According to the EPA, about half of the homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The likelihood of finding lead-based paint increases with the age of the home. Two-thirds of homes built between 1940 and 1960 have lead-based paint. Nine out of ten homes built before 1940 have lead-based paint.
Statistically speaking:
Between 1960-1977: 25% chance
Between 1940-1959: 66% chance
Before 1940: 86% chance
The program includes three steps:
1. Pre-education requirements for the occupants of the home
2. Contractor training and certification
3. Contractor agreement to implement lead-safe work practices and follow these three simple procedures:
a. Contain the work area
b. Minimize dust
c. Clean-up thoroughly
Remodeling firms must now be certified, their employees must be trained in use of lead-safe work practices, and lead-safe work practices that minimize occupants’ exposure to lead hazards must be followed. Please be sure that anyone hired to work on your pre-1978 home be certified by the EPA and has fulfilled the mandatory training requirements.
MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] has been certified by the EPA and has a Certified Remodeler on staff that has completed the training. We are certified to test the paint in your home prior to starting any remodeling project, to determine if your home has lead-based paint and would fall under the RRP guidelines. Please do not let anyone remodel your home and disturb lead-based dust that has not been trained and certified. Lead is dangerous to both adults and children. Below are some lead facts from the EPA:
• Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing reduced IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems.
• Lead in dust is the most common way people are exposed to lead. People can also get lead in their bodies from lead in soil or paint chips. Lead dust is often invisible.
• Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
• Projects that disturb lead-based paint can create dust and endanger you and your family. Don’t let this happen to you.
Please contact Rick Goldstein at MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] if you have any questions related to the Renovate, Repair and Paint Act. rick@MosaicGroupAtlanta.com or (770) 670-6022