Lead Safety
On April 22, 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule (LRRP), which requires remodelers working in homes built before 1978 to follow work practices that minimize residents' exposure to lead hazards. The LRRP rule aims to protect pregnant women and children under six from toxic lead exposure by requiring contractors to complete an eight-hour training course on lead-safe work practices that contain and reduce lead dust. Those who finish the course must oversee renovations of pre-1978 homes, and the contracting firm must be EPA-certified.
If your home was built before 1978, there are steps you can take to protect your family from the dangers of lead poisoning.
The following is a checklist for homeowners living in pre-1978 homes:
•    Verify that your contractor’s firm is registered with the EPA unless your state has implemented its own lead safety program, in which case the certification process might be slightly different. To find out if your state is operating its own lead program, visit here. 
•    Verify that at least one person is a Certified Renovator, has documented the training of the work crew, and is supervising the work being done in the home.
•    Know that these certifications must be accessible at the work site at all times.
•    Firms must post signs before starting renovations, clearly marking the work area and warning occupants and others not involved in the renovation to stay outside the work zone.
•    Make sure you understand and sign the EPA’s “Renovate Right” brochure.
•    Remove all belongings from the immediate area of the renovation.
•    Notice if your contractor is using plastic sheeting that is taped 6 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation; reusable cloth coverings are not acceptable.
•    Renovators should be cleaning up and mopping daily to minimize dust contamination.
•    Contractors must use HEPA vacuums and/or wet mopping to remove lead particles.
•    All contaminated materials should be placed in heavy-duty plastic bags before your contractor disposes of them.
Be cautious of anyone who disregards the rule by using unsafe lead work practices. For those choosing to do the work on their own, please visit the EPA site for more information on lead-safe work practices to minimize lead exposure.