New Lead Paint Laws Updated

The new lead paint rule instituted by the EPA that requires special handling when remodeling all pre-1978 homes has now been slightly altered.

Beginning today, all contractors performing renovation, repair or painting work in homes built before 1978 must follow lead-safe work practice requirements. A new EPA rule removes a provision from existing regulations that allowed owner-occupants of pre-1978 homes to "opt-out" of having their contractors follow lead-safe work practices if there were no children under six years of age in the home.

On paper this rule sounds good and makes sense but it's also having a negative impact on homeowners, remodelers and contractors. This regulation went into effect April 22nd of this year with a provision that homeowners could opt-out if their home was built pre-1978 and there were no children under the age of six in the home but now that option is now longer available.

Home Construction Improvement has shared some concerns from the contractors point-of-view in terms of increased costs that will ultimately trickle down to the consumer. Contractors now have to have additional training and jobs require additional labor time all of which costs more money. If these rules aren't followed and contractors aren't RRP certified there are penalties of up to $37,500 per day.

If you are doing any major renovations to your home that was built pre-1978 make sure you are hiring certified contractors who are aware of this new law. It's important that we take the dangers of lead-poisoning seriously but we're not sure this change in regulation is the most sensible choice.

photo: Ben+Sam