EPA Certified Renovator
 E.A. Knight Construction, Inc. – Once again leading the industry, we are one of the first firms to comply with new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requirements about removing lead paint from homes built before 1978. We have five people trained and certified to perform this work and protect you and your children from lead poisoning.
Why Is Lead Paint Dangerous?
Lead gets into the body when it is swallowed or inhaled. People, especially children, can swallow lead dust as they eat, play, and do other normal hand-to-mouth activities. People may also breathe in lead dust or fumes if they disturb lead-based paint. People who sand, scrape, burn, brush, blast or otherwise disturb lead-based paint risk unsafe exposure to lead.
Lead is especially dangerous to children under 6 years of age. Lead can affect children’s brains and developing nervous systems, causing:
- Reduced IQ and learning disabilities
- Behavioral problems
Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their bodies.
Lead is also harmful to adults. In adults, low levels of lead can pose many dangers, including:
- High blood pressure and hypertension
- Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their fetus
Who Must Follow the Lead Rule’s Requirements?
In general, anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint in housing and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, this may include, but is not limited to:
Residential rental property owners/managers, General contractors, Special trade contractors, including:
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Electricians
What Activities Are Subject to the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Program?
In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities, including:
- Remodeling and repair/maintenance
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Painting
- Carpentry
- Window replacement
What Housing or Activities Are Excluded and Not Subject to the Rule?
- Housing built in 1978 or later.
- Housing for elderly or disabled persons, unless children under 6 reside or are expected to reside there.
- Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartments, dormitories, etc.)
- Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor.
- Minor repair and maintenance activities that disturb 6 square feet or less of paint per room inside, or 20 square feet or less on the exterior of a home or building.
- Note: minor repair and maintenance activities do not include window replacement and projects involving demolition and or prohibited practices.
The EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule went into effect April 22, 2010. Federal law requires that Renovation firms be certified for lead paint removal. If your home was built before 1978 make sure that your contractor is certified! Fines for removing lead paint without training or certification are up to $32,500 per day per incident. |
