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Lead-Based Paint Hazard: Residential Renovation and Remodeling Rule

April 2001 IBEW Journal

The Lead-Based Paint Pre-Renovation Rule (Lead PRE) is a federal regulation affecting construction contractors, property managers and others who perform renovations for compensation in residential housing that may contain lead-based paint.

Exposure to lead-based paint is especially hazardous for children. Current studies suggest that the primary sources of lead exposure for most children are deteriorating lead-based paint, lead-contaminated dust, and lead-contaminated residential soil, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Established to reduce the hazards of exposure to lead, the regulation requires that contractors and renovators must distribute a lead hazard information pamphlet to housing owners and occupants before starting renovation work on "target housing."

Target housing refers to housing built before 1978. Housing exempt from the Lead PRE regulation includes:

• Housing built in 1978 or later
• Housing for the elderly or disabled persons (unless children will reside there)
• Zero-bedroom dwellings (studio apartment, dormitories, etc.)
• Housing or components declared lead-free by a certified inspector or risk assessor

Also exempt are emergency renovations and repairs, as well as minor repairs and maintenance that disturb two square feet or less of paint per component.

The lead pamphlet and a contractor packet is available from the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at 1-800-424-LEAD. Confirmation of receipt of the pamphlet is required and must be retained for three years. The Lead PRE regulation, dubbed the Renovation and Remodeling Rule, went into effect June 1, 1999, under TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) Title IV, Section 406 (b).

Lead can be ingested by breathing or swallowing lead-based paint dust or by eating lead-contaminated soil or lead-based paint chips. Lead can be dangerous to workers and their families if the worker brings contaminated equipment and work clothing home. In children high levels of lead can cause serious effects, including:

• Damage to the brain and nervous system
• Behavior and learning problems
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Headaches

• Difficulties during pregnancy
• Other reproductive problems for men and women
• High blood pressure
• Digestive problems
• Nerve disorders
• Memory and concentration problems
• Muscle and joint pain

For additional information call the NLIC (1-800-424-LEAD) or visit EPA web site www.epa.gov/lead.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency