Starting on April 22, 2010, new provisions will go into effect from the EPA which will affect remodeling and renovation of homes built before 1978.
A little background
In 1976, the EPA passed a law called the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This law was enacted to control substances determined to cause unreasonable public health or environmental risks. In 1999, an amendment was added to reduce exposure to lead contamination which can cause health risks and impacts the environment.
Current changes
The EPA passed changes to the TSCA in 2008 that require contractors to be trained and certified in the use of lead safe work practices and to use lead safe work practices on any job involving lead paint. These changes go into effect in 2010. Lead safe work practices would require the remodeler to minimize dust, prepare and clean the work area, and contain lead dust. Since lead paint was banned in the US in 1977, these provisions apply only to homes built before 1978.
What does this mean for you?
If your house was built in 1978 or after, it means nothing. Due to the federal government’s ban of lead paint in 1977, you are assumed to have no lead paint in your home.
However, if your home was built in 1977 or before, it means a lot. First, not all homes built before 1978 have lead paint and the only way to find out is to test. Only you can decide if you want to test.
After April 22, 2010, you will need to select an EPA Certified Renovator if you are hiring a remodeling contractor in your home. The Certified Renovator will be responsible for properly planning and executing the job using lead safe work practices. And, because of the increased costs of compliance, you are probably going to pay more for your remodeling projects.
Of course, as with most regulations, there are some exceptions. There may be an opt-out option if the home is owner occupied and there is no child under the age of 6 living on the premises. However, there is talk that this opt-out option may be thrown out. Another exception is if the home has been tested and found to be free of lead paint. Third, any minor work that disturbs no more than 2 square feet of painted wall space would not fall under the new law. And finally, emergency renovations would not be covered under the law.
To learn more, visit the EPA’s website.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
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good post
ReplyDeleteThe EPA has a good reference called "Using Barriers to Contain Dust and other Pollutants" Here is the link from their site. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-barriers.html. Barriers should be used to contain the spread of dust and other pollutants from the work area to other parts of the home. A simple barrier consists of 6 mil poly sheeting taped over doors and other openings in the room. Poly sheeting should also be taped over any supply and return registers for the home's heating, cooling, or ventilation system that are in the room to avoid spreading the pollutants or contaminating the ducts. Having blocked off registers, you should be sure to provide ventilation for the area. An exhaust fan, with provision for make-up air, complements this strategy well. For more information, see the discussion of ventilation containment strategies that create a pressure barrier to prevent the spread of pollutants. ZipWall's new ZipPole system is a great system for only $169, half the price of the original ZipWall Barrier System. Click here to learn more: www.zipwall.com/lp/lpZipPole.html
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