By: Jim Wilburn, Orlando Construction Inc.

Many of you may remember the heightened awareness about Asbestos that began in the 1980s. As a society, we all became aware of the short- and long-term hazards of Asbestos on our health as painful illnesses arose from this discovery. As we fast-forward to the year 2010, we have become aware of the hazards of Lead Based Paint since its ban for use in residential buildings by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1978. Lead Based Paint has proven to be extremely toxic to families and (especially to) children under 6-years old. The EPA requires that a Certified Renovator oversee renovation and remodeling projects that meet certain criteria. The EPA has establisheda penalty up to $37,500 per occurrence for construction professionals and homeowners who fail to comply with this rule. The solution is found by hiring a Certified Renovator who follows the proper demolition and cleanup procedures to protect your family and health!

Most homes built prior to 1978 contain Lead in the Paint and Stain/Varnish used on their walls, ceilings, and wood trim throughout the home. Lead has been found to be s to children under the age of six by affecting their learning and physical development. Greater exposure for children is due to frequent hand-mouth contact after touching lead containing materials. Adults are susceptible to low levels of lead, especially those with high blood pressure and pregnant women (by transferring lead to their fetus). Lead contaminates the body by entering through our nose and mouth usually in the form of dust. It reacts much like calcium does as it flows through our blood and finds a place to deposit on our bones. Blood tests can be performed to determine the level of soluble lead in the blood, but not the amount that has collected on our bones. Bone lead contamination requires a much more involved testing procedure to determine accurate levels. The graph above shows the EPA’s estimated percentage of homes that likely contain Lead Based Paint products in the United States:

To respond to the known health issues associated with Lead, the EPA has developed criteria for the demolition, cleanup, and disposal of building materials contaminated with lead. The new EPA Lead Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) becomes Law on April 22, 2010 and requires that “anyone who is paid to perform work that disturbs paint” be an EPA Certified Renovator, or trained by a Certified Renovator. This applies to all projects that disturb more than six square-feet of interior wall space and more than 20 square-feet of exterior wall space. A Certified Renovator is trained to test for lead, document the findings, and certify and document the cleanup process. EPA Approved Test Kits are NOT available from local retailers since they do not contain the lead calibration device contained in the Approved Kits. Certified Renovators are required to use the EPA Approved Test Kits available from the EPA, thus validating proper calibration of the testing results. The testing procedure is quick: by taking a sample of material and
applying a solution via a cotton swab, then watching for a chemical reaction to confirm the presence or absence of lead.

If lead is determined to exist in the home, the Certified Renovator will post their Certification onsite and take the appropriate measures to mitigate lead contamination during construction. The isolation and cleanup is not as invasive as one might think. It is fairly simple with the proper training, plastic sheeting, and cleanup supplies. Keep your family and health in good shape by hiring a professional!

More information can be found on the EPA website here.

Orlando Construction, Inc. is a 51-year old full service General Construction firm that specializes in Residential and Commercial Remodeling and New
Construction. Our principal, Jim Wilburn, is a Certified Green Professional (NAHB), EPA Lead Certified Renovator, and Professional Civil Engineer. Feel free to call our office for any advice or to discuss your dreams at (503) 777-1127.