PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME (Updates to June 2003 Version) The following changes are required as a result of EPA's 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule: 1. Inside front cover. The statement, "Renovators disturbing more than 2 square feet of painted surfaces have to give you this pamphlet (not Renovate Right) before starting work," should be replaced with, "If undertaking renovations, repairs, or painting (RRP) projects in your pre-1978 home or apartment: Read EPA's pamphlet, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right, to learn about the lead-safe work practices that contractors are required to follow when working in your home". 2. Page 6. "Home test kits for lead are available, but may not always be accurate. Consumers should not rely on these kits before doing renovations or to assure safety," should be replaced with, "In preparing for renovation, repair, or painting work in a pre-1978 home, Lead-Safe Certified renovators may: Take paint chip samples to determine if lead-based paint is present in the area planned for renovation and send them to an EPA-recognized lead lab for analysis. In housing receiving federal assistance, the person collecting these samples must be a certified lead-based paint inspector or risk assessor Use EPA-recognized tests kits to determine if lead-based paint is absent (but not in housing receiving federal assistance) Presume that lead-based paint is present and use lead- safe work practices" 3. Page 9. The information provided in the box to the right, replaces the entire content of this page. 4. Back page. The statement, "Don't use a belt-sander, propane torch, high temperature heat gun, scraper, or sandpaper on painted surfaces that may contain lead," should be replaced with, "When renovating, repairing, painting, hire only EPA- or state- approved Lead-Safe Certified renovation firms." 5. Contact information throughout the document may be out of date. Please visit epa.gov/lead for the most current information. Renovating, Remodeling, or Repairing (RRP) a Home with Lead-Based Paint If you hire a contractor to conduct renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects In your pre-1978 home or chlldcare facility (such as pre-school and kindergarten), your contractor must: Be a Lead-Safe Certified firm approved by EPA or an I P,; ,,^35253 EPA-authorized state program prrai Use qualified trained individuals (Lead-Safe Certified renovators) who follow specific lead-safe work practices to prevent lead contamination Provide a copy of EPA's lead hazard information document, The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right RRP contractors working in pre-1978 homes and childcare facilities must follow lead-safe work practices that: Contain the work area.The area must be contained so that dust and debris do not escape from the work area. Warning signs must be put up, and plastic or other impermeable material and tape must be used. Avoid renovation methods that generate large amounts of lead-contaminated dust. Some methods generate so much lead- contaminated dust that their use is prohibited,They are: - Open-flame burning or torching Sanding, grinding, planing, needle gunning, or blasting with power tools and equipment not equipped with a shroud and HEPA vacuum attachment and Using a heat gun at temperatures greater than 11QQ°F Clean up thoroughly. The work area should be cleaned up daily. When all the work is done, the area must be cleaned up using special cleaning methods. Dispose of waste properly. Collect and seal waste in a heavy duty bag or sheeting. When transported, ensure that waste is contained to prevent release of dust and debris. To learn more about EPA's requirements for RRP projects visit epa.gov/getlead5afe, or read The Lead-Safe Certified Guide to Renovate Right. ------- PROTECT YOUR FAMILY FROM LEAD IN YOUR HOME (Update to December 2012 version) The following information replaces the drinking water section on Page 13: Lead in Drinking Water The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986. You can't smell or taste lead in drinking water. To find out for certain if you have lead in drinking water, have your water tested. Remember older homes with a private well can also have plumbing materials that contain lead. Important Steps You Can Take to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water. Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours. Regularly clean your faucet's screen (also known as an aerator). If you use a filter certified to remove lead, don't forget to read the directions to learn when to change the cartridge. Using a filter after it has expired can make it less effective at removing lead. Contact your water company to determine if the pipe that connects your home to the water main (called a service line) is made from lead. Your area's water company can also provide information about the lead levels in your system's drinking water. For more information about lead in drinking water please contact EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791. If you have other questions about lead poisoning prevention, call 1-800 424-LEAD.* Call your local health department or water company to find out about testing your water, or visit epa.gov/safewater for EPA's lead in drinking water information. Some states or utilities offer programs to pay for water testing for residents. Contact your state or local water company to learn more. * Hearing- or speech-challenged individuals may access this number through TTY by calling the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8399. ------- |