More than half of the homes built before 1978 have it, and one in nine homes built before 1940 have it as well. What is it? If you guessed lead-based paint you’re right, but this is no riddled matter.

Lead can enter the body whether it is touched or inhaled. The result can be damages to the nervous system especially in children, and reproductive issues for woman. Lead-based paint may be found on any surface of the home inside or out. Dust with lead in it can be inhaled very easily in any contracting jobs that may disturb the paint. Even pets can be at risk for internal damages if they come across the dust.

To combat this issue and try to eliminate lead poisonings the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created the Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program Rule. This rule affects contractors, property managers, and any other compensated person disturbing surfaces suspected to contain lead-based paint.

All firms that repair, renovate and paint homes, apartments, schools and other children occupied buildings, must now be certified to work in any building built before 1978. This can be accomplished by applying to EPA or to the State, if it has an EPA-authorized renovation program, and paying a fee. Only certified renovators will be allowed to work on sites suspecting to have lead paint or built before 1978.

Certain work practices are not allowed in these buildings. Open-flame burning, using heat guns at greater than 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit and the use of power tools without high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) exhaust control (to collect dust generated) are prohibited.

The Program Rule applies to renovators and landlords whom maintain and work on the buildings they own. Anyone receiving a compensation or payment for their work must be certified in safe lead practicesby the EPA. If you are working on your own home in which you live, you do not need to become certified.

Becoming certified is important; you do not want to cut corners for your safety and the safety of customers. You should also follow the EPA’s rules and make sure your workers become trained and educated while supporting education with adequate contractors workers compensation insurance in the case of accidental lead paint poisoning.