EPA Steping Up Lead Paint Enforcement

The EPA has just announced they will be three more enforcement actions for violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP).  They are requiring the use of lead safe work practices.  It is to ensure that activities such as sanding, cutting and demolition, which can create hazardous lead dust, are conducted properly by trained and certified contractors.  The problem that occurs during renovations with lead based products present, is that the dust gets thrown into the air.  The lead in the product is not very harmful to us.  But when it is air born and becomes a fine particle it is then inhaled and this raising the chances for Lead related health problems, such as mesothelioma.  The reason these enforcement have been made is to protect the property owners, as well help with the liability of lawsuits against landlords.  Just recently Colin Wentworth, a rental property owner had to pay 10,000 to resolve a violation of the RRP rules. Which was a complaint that stated he was using power equipment to get paint off of an exterior wall.  So the enforcements are about protecting our families and our neighborhoods.  The more prevalent lead becomes the stricter the rules will become on lead.  This is to help keep what is most important safe, our families. This crack down on lead is spreading throughout the nation.