The Environmental Protection Agency has announced a settlement with 41 residential home renovators, including several in Oregon. The cases involved lead safety violations.
Structures built before 1978 have a good chance of containing lead-based paint. That’s why federal law requires contractors to obtain EPA Firm Certification under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.
Improper removal of aged walls and other surfaces can create a serious health hazard, especially for children.
Suzanne Skadowski is with the EPA’s Region 10, which covers Washington, Idaho, Alaska and Oregon. She said at any given time, over half a million children in the US have detectable lead blood levels according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The main way that children can be exposed to lead poisoning is from lead contaminated dust that comes from lead-based paint that’s disturbed, cut into, chipped or peeling in those pre-1978 homes or childcare facilities,” she said.
Skadowski noted seven renovators in Oregon were cited for violations last year. She urged homeowners to ask contractors for proof they are certified before any sawing or sanding starts.
For more information about lead safety and childproof home improvements:
- EPA’s main lead safety webpage is a good place to start to learn about the health risks from lead and resources for preventing exposure: https://www.epa.gov/lead
- Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead#main-content
- How to Make Your Home Lead-Safe: https://www.epa.gov/lead/how-make-your-home-lead-safe
- Protect Your Children from Lead Exposure and Lead Poisoning: https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-children
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