SCUTT LAW PLLC

So many homes and workplaces are being renovated today…one can hardly drive a block or two in downtown Austin without running into another charming old home being rehabbed for use as an office or hip new condo. But before you buy a renovated home or office, or have a building renovated, you need to be aware of the dangers of lead paint. If you live or work in a home or office that was built prior to 1978, chances are that lead paint is present there. It only takes a small amount of lead paint to cause serious damage, especially to infants and pregnant women. Renovations are dangerous because activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint.

Therefore, to protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. This certification requirement applies to renovation contractors and maintenance workers in multi-family housing as well as painters and other specialty trades. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.

For more information about the EPA’s new RRP Program Rule, please visit the EPA website at: www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.