by jbs112309 a3 — November 30, 2009—U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has announced that two of Wisconsin’s lead-based paint programs have been federally authorized. They are the Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting program and the Pre-Renovation Education program.
EPA says Wisconsin is the first state authorized to administer and enforce the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, which mandates training and licensing in lead-safe work practices for construction contractors, property managers and others that work in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978. Gov. James E. Doyle has certified that the Wisconsin programs, to be administered by the division of public health, are at least as protective as EPA’s and provide adequate enforcement.
The Lead-based Paint Pre-Renovation Education program requires construction contractors, property managers and others that perform renovations for compensation to distribute the lead pamphlet “Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” to owners and occupants before starting renovation work.
EPA notes that lead-contaminated dust is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.
For more information about lead safety, visit EPA’s Lead in Paint, Dust and Soil Web site. For more information about Wisconsin’s new program, visit the Lead-Safe Wisconsin Web site.
