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EPA Lead Paint Regulations

Prior to 1978, home and building construction used lead-based paint products on a regular basis. Once lead's toxic effects became known, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) developed regulations regarding lead-based paint products. These regulations outline the proper procedures for work with, and removal of, lead-based paint from surfaces and interiors.

  1. Pre-Renovation Regulations

    • Lead poisoning has its greatest impact on a child's developing body and is linked to developmental disorders such as mental retardation and learning disabilities. As a result, regulations on lead paint place a particular emphasis on protections relating to child-inhabited premises. Pre-renovation regulations provide safety guidelines for contractors, workers, landowners and renters regarding the handling of lead-paint materials. Guidelines for contractors and workers address proper procedures for renovation activities that involve sanding, cutting and demolition. Pre-renovation regulations require the distribution of lead hazard information pamphlets to landowners as well as renters or occupants. In the case of child care or child-occupied facilities, owners and administrators must provide lead hazard information pamphlets to parents. Because of the extreme effects of lead on young children, EPA regulations require contractors to provide lead hazard information pamphlets directly to the parents of children six years old or younger when renovations are done on schools or childcare facilities.

    Residential Regulations

    • According to the EPA, residential lead hazard regulations were implemented to protect families who buy or lease a home, or reside within government-subsidized housing. These regulations identify standards for safe versus hazardous conditions and identify lead-level amounts that exceed safety standards. EPA regulations stipulate lead concentration levels in dust particles, soil environments and lead particles present on interior paint surfaces. Residential lead hazard regulations establish a standard benchmark for federal, state and local agencies to follow when addressing lead paint issues. These guidelines also apply to home inspectors and risk assessors when advising homeowners on how to eliminate existing lead-based paint on surfaces.

    Waste Disposal Regulations

    • EPA regulations regarding the proper disposal of lead-based materials provide contractors and residents with guidelines on containment and disposal practices. According to the EPA, these materials fall within the category of household waste and must be disposed of according to state or county regulations. Businesses and individuals should contact local disposal companies for guidelines on how to prepare lead-based materials for pick-up. Lead-based waste materials generated from remodeling, rehabilitation or lead abatement projects include window frames, doors, paint chips and painted woodwork.

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