Protect your Family from Lead in Your Home

The United States Environmental Protection Agency's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) will become fully effective and enforcable on April 22, 2010. The RRP Rule applies to all renovation activities performed for compensation in pre-1978 housing. Companies which perform such activities must become "Certified Renovation Firms" and individuals within these firms must be "Certified Renovators". These entities are to ensure lead-safe work practices standards are followed and records kepts. EPA enforcement provision has authority to seek civil fines of $32,500 per offense for failure to comply.

Deco Summary; Official Magizine of PDCA

"Consumer paint has not contained lead in decades - however anyone working in an older home or building (built before 1978) may encounter lead-based paint. While lead-based paint does not present a hazard when intact (i.e. not chipping, peeling, caulking of otherwise disturbed), if you are contemplating a typical renovation and remodeling project know that it can disturb the painted surface and create lead dust. Special attention should be given when you prepare any old painted surface for repainting. Never use open burning methods, for example, and if you scrape, sand, or remove old paint by any means you may release lead dust or debris. LEAD IS TOXIC and exposure to lead can cause serious illness, such as brain damage, especially in children. Pregnant women should also avoid exposure."

National Paint and Coating Association (NCPA) 

It is your living space, so hire a painting contractor who is certified and performs lead-safe work practices.