The latest enforcement to hit the construction industry is the Environmental Protection Agency's new lead handling regulations for contractors. The regulations require contractors to be certified in safe lead paint handling practices. That's right, the lead scare is back... but is it?? The truth is that the new regulations surround some rather far fetched ideas about lead contamination but unfortunately those of us in the trade must comply. Their argument is that by doing home renovations on homes painted with lead containing paint there is the possibility of lead contamination through the dust particles that may be disturbed during the project.
The National Association of Home Builders has urged the EPA to delay the enforcement but it's falling on deaf ears. The use of lead based paint in the US has been outlawed since 1978 but as you can imagine a large percentage of homes pre-date the ban, and therein lies the problem. In Denver it's estimated that about 80 percent of the homes were constructed prior to 1980.
When the government and it's associated agencies say jump we are left with no choice but to jump. So when composing your list of questions for prospective contractors make sure to ask them about their lead handling certification. And try to keep in mind that regulations and requirements like this will raise the rates of your project so try not to attack your chosen contractor when you see the related costs... it's not our fault, we're just doing as we're told.
Learn more about the new EPA regulations
Professionals looking to get certified
