New EPA Rules Regarding Lead-Based Paint
Contractors Facing $75,000 Fines Unless Certified in Lead-Safe Practices
When it comes to lead-based paint, the Environmental Protection Agency has long regulated its use, detection and disclosure. The EPA recently expanded its regulation in the area by requiring contractors who renovate, repair or paint pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools to be specially trained and certified in the removal and containment of lead-based paint.
Although lead was eliminated as a paint ingredient over 30 years ago, it remains on the walls in countless structures, often buried under several layers of newer paint. 
Many common activities can cause dust or chips containing lead-based paint to be released into the air: sanding, scraping, or even something as simple as replacing an old window.
These new regulations affect anyone that conducts renovations or repairs for a profit. The certification requirement went into effect April 22, 2010, but the EPA recently announced a grace period for those not yet certified. As long as an individual renovator has enrolled in a training course by September 30, 2010, and has completed the course by the end of the year, no fines will be imposed. Contracting firms that are not yet certified, on the other hand, will be subject to fines beginning October 1, 2010.
The fines for violation of the new rules are enormous, up to $75,000 per incident. These are clearly not regulations that can be ignored! A list of the 15 currently-accredited Michigan trainers and other information about lead-safe practices can be found at www.epa.gov/lead.
Lee Flaherty