Lead Based Paint Rules Go Into Effect Tomorrow

Lead-based paint was used in over 38 million homes prior to 1978 before it was banned due to the discovery of the health hazards associated with its use. These potential hazards can come in the form of paint chips, and/or dust, all of which can cause very serious health problems if not handled correctly. In fact, improperly disturbing lead based paint increases the dangers and risks to your family. Children ages 0-6 are especially vulnerable to these dangers because their bodies are still developing. Even very small amounts of lead based paint dust exposure in children can cause:

* Nervous system damage
* Kidney damage
* Decreased intelligence
* ADD/ADHD
* Other learning disabilities
* Speech, language and behavioral problems

Lead can be passed from pregnant women to their unborn children resulting in miscarriages, premature births, brain damage and low birth weight. Health effects of lead exposure in adults include:

* Increased blood pressure
* Fertility problems
* Digestive problems
* Nerve disorders
* Memory and concentration problems
* Sexual disorders
* Muscle or joint pain

Recognizing the serious effects of lead based paint, the EPA enacted legislation to protect citizens from lead and lead dust resulting from renovations. Effective April 22, 2010, any person who is paid to perform renovations which disturb lead-based paint in homes or child-occupied commercial facilities built prior to 1978 must be from a certified renovation firm, the “protective measure” set up and final “dust sampling” must be performed by an EPA Certified Renovator, and the onsite worker(s) must be properly trained in lead safety for renovation, repair and painting.