The EPA RRP Rule represents the most significant and far-reaching Federal lead regulation since HUD published the Lead-Safe Housing Rule over 10 years ago. But how to properly implement the various components of the rule has created many issues and concerns among public agencies, community groups, contractors, property managers and owners.
When lead paint is sanded or scraped or disturbed, microscopic particles of the metal mingle with the dust that is created. That "lead-containing" dust is what can seriously impact people'shealth, especially children and pregnant women. Lead causes a long list of problems, including learning and behavioral problems, kidney disease, high blood pressure, miscarriage and birth defects. Lead can even cause depression and aggressive behavior. Experts say lead poisoning doubles the number of children in special education classes, and some studies show it plays a major role in crime rates as well. There is no safe level of lead - any amount can be harmful to you and your family.
The EPA’s Renovate, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP), which began on April 22, 2010, is designed to help reduce the hazards of lead based paint exposure during renovation projects. The RRP Rule is best known for the very specific and tedious safety and work practices that must be followed by all contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that will disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978. In addition to the extensive lead safe work practices, the rule requires that firms also keep extensive records for all work done for a minimum of three years.
The fines for non-compliance can be over $30,000 per day, and enforcement has begun nation wide. One Omaha company was already asessed fines and penalties as a cost of over $15,000. Click here to read the original story from the OWH.
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