EPA to Release New Lead Rule on Renovation, Repair and Painting

The impending U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule governing professional remodelers doing work in homes where there is lead-based paint is undergoing a final review by the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and at press time, the rule is expected to be released this spring. The rule addresses remodeling and renovation projects disturbing more than two feet of potentially contaminated painted surfaces for all residential and multifamily structures built prior to 1978 that are inhabited by a child under the age of six.

Research conducted in 2006 by the National Association of Homebuilders on lead-safe work practices showed that a home was better off after a remodel than before, as long as the work was performed by trained professionals who clean the work area with HEPA-equipped vacuums, wet washing and disposable drop cloths.

The NAHB study, along with EPA’s study, showed that with excessive amounts of pre-existing lead dust in the home prior to remodeling work, even using lead-safe work practices is not always sufficient to meet federal abatement standards.

Nevertheless, other peer-reviewed research shows that in typical remodeling situations, cleaning to a level of “no visible dust and debris” meets clearance testing standards a vast majority of the time (up to 97%).

Contact: NPCA’s Steve Sides for more information.

Source: April 2008 Coatings, posted 2/29/08