PHILADELPHIA (October 25, 2018) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working with local partners. All to raise awareness of EPA’s lead-based paint rules in Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Outreach on Lead Paint
Most noteworthy, EPA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio commented. He said this initiative “is a focused effort. All with our local counterparts to cut lead exposure in Philadelphia. This is where there is a large amount of older housing stock with lead paint that has not been removed.”
The most common source of lead exposure is through deteriorating lead-based paint in residences and commercial buildings built before 1978. EPA, along with partners from other federal agencies, The City of Philadelphia, and independent non-profit organizations are targeting communities where pre-1978 housing stock is prevalent.
Outreach efforts include in-person meetings, distributing technical assistance information, visits to paint/hardware stores, awareness training for city inspectors and providing information to contractors/renovators and property management firms. Information is also provided to daycare centers, childcare and healthcare focused organizations.
More importantly, EPA enforces and raises awareness of several rules. The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) applies when a renovation or repair disturbs six square feet of interior (about the size of a standard poster) or 20 square feet (about the size of a standard door) of exterior painted surfaces.
More noteworthy, the RRP rule requires that those working on pre-1978 housing be trained by an EPA-accredited training provider. They must be employed by a certified firm using the required work practices to control exposure to lead/lead dust. As well and give information on the rule to owner and tenants.
Image By Thester11 – Own work, CC BY 3.0, Link
The Lead-based Paint Disclosure Rule requires owners of residential rental properties and sellers of property built before 1978 to show known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before a lease or sale becomes enforceable. Sales contracts and leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. Further, landlords and sellers must also give the EPA publication “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home.”
To find Certified “Lead-Safe” providers, go to www.epa.gov/lead or call 1-800-424-LEAD. The RRP rule does not apply to people doing work on their personal residences.
So for more information on becoming a Certified “Lead-Safe” firm or renovator. Also for finding a certified firm for your renovation or repair project. Please go to: www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).
In conclusion and as well, EPA released a report called “Protecting Children from Lead Exposures”. Cause it’s to highlight some of the ongoing programs.
Also concluding EPA aggressively addresses lead issues across America. From working with communities and partners to further find and cut lead exposure. Finally, more importantly and especially, this is for children who are most vulnerable to lead poisoning.
