Common home renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.

To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes and other facilities built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Until that time, EPA recommends that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.

You can read about lead-hazard information that could apply to your clients in an EPA publication now available for purchase. "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools" costs $1.85 and is available in the KCRAR store.

REALTORS® should make themselves aware of the requirements in this Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. EPA is working closely with the National Association of REALTORS® to make REALTOR® members aware of the hazards of lead paint poisoning and ways to prevent it. NAR has developed a series of videos to guide you, and other information from NAR details what steps agents, brokers and property managers need to take to comply with the new procedures.

View the videos from NAR by visiting www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#realtors and scrolling to the bottom of the page for a list of five videos. For NAR’s complete Lead Paint Renovation Rule Compliance guide, go to www.realtor.org/government_affairs/lead_paint_main.