Kitchen Remodels & Lead Base Paint

 

The EPA recently enacted a new law regarding the proper removal of lead based paint products that could be in your home. This new law will affect you if you’re planning to remodel your kitchen or bath, and your home was built prior to 1978. Effective April 22, 2010 all remodeling companies must be an EPA Lead Certified Firm and they must only allow a Certified Lead Renovator and his lead trained employees to perform certain work on your home.  Keep this in mind when planning your kitchen remodel project!

 

Lead was an additive used in the manufacturing of paint because it added durability and helps the paint maintain its color over time.  However the sale of lead based paints was banned in 1978 because it has been traced to numerous health problems, especially in children under the age of six. 

 

The primary purpose of the law is an attempt to minimize the spread of lead dust during a renovation, repair or painting project. Dust containment is the key. New procedures have been outlined on the proper procedures for containing the dust, cleaning up the dust and disposing of the dust.  This is of particular importance for kitchen remodel projects.  These procedures help to protect the health of not only your family, but also the workers, and their families. Many times remodelers may go home to their family with dust covered clothing, and thus exposing their families to this lead dust.

                                                               

Lead abatement (total removal of all lead based products) is not addressed in this new law, but simply addresses the spread of the lead particles in the dust created during renovations, repairs and painting.  For more information ask for an EPA “Renovate Right” brochure from your contractor or remodeler or you can download the brochure from the EPA’s website at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf