Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit




I

Renovate
Lead-Safe
Media Kit

w

&EPA

i

Help Followers, Viewers and
Others Reduce Lead Exposure
During	Renovation,

Painting Projects

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Resources to Reduce Lead Exposure During Renovation, Repair and
Painting Projects

Overview			3

Introductory Text for Your Followers		4

Fact Sheet		5

Sample Public Service Announcement			6

FAQs for DIYers		8

Video Creation Ideas			10

Sample Social Media Posts			13

Lead-Safe Shopping List			15

2 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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Overview

Welcome to ERA'S Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit!

In this kit, you'll find important messaging to share with your audiences about preventing lead
exposure when performing renovation, repair and painting (RRP) projects on their pre-1978 homes.

The federal government banned the residential use of lead-based paint in 1978, so homes built
before then may have lead-based paint on interior and exterior surfaces. Dangerous lead dust can
be created when these surfaces are disturbed or demolished during RRP projects, increasing the
risk of lead exposure. Because of this risk, EPA recommends owners of pre-1978 homes hire lead-
safe certified contractors who are trained in lead-safe work practices for home renovations. People
who perform renovations themselves should take simple precautions and use do-it-yourself (DIY)
lead-safe work practices to keep themselves and others safe from potential lead exposure.

Join us in promoting the hiring of lead-safe certified contractors and, when not hiring a contractor,
using DIY lead-safe work practices for home renovation projects. Spreading the word about these
actions will help keep your audience and their families safe from lead exposure during their RRP
projects!

While the RRP Rule requires that contractors performing RRP projects in pre-1978 homes,
preschools or child care centers must be certified and trained in lead-safe work practices, generally
speaking, it does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their own home. However, the rule
does apply to homeowners if they rent all or part of their home, operate a child care center in their
home or if they buy, renovate and sell homes for profit.

This media kit includes introductory texts, sample social media posts, video scripts, frequently
asked questions and more. You can tailor these materials to better connect with your audience,
but be sure to keep the facts front and center. Thank you for your partnership in raising awareness
about the importance of staying safe during RRP projects in pre-1978 homes. If you have any
questions, feel free to reach out to the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323)
or visit eDa.gov/lead/rrD-divers.

Note: Because of the risk of lead exposure when painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes are disturbed or
demolished, EPA recommends homeowners of pre-1978 homes hire a lead-safe certified contractor who is
trained in lead-safe work practices.

3 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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Introductory Text for Your Followers

Use this introductory text to explain the health risks of lead exposure and provide ways to stay lead-safe
while renovating. Feel free to customize the text to fit your voice and share it in an email, newsletter, blog,
website, social media post or anywhere else you interact with your followers, viewers and others.

Did you know lead can be found in all parts of our environment - the air, the soil, the water, and
even inside our homes?

Lead is particularly dangerous to young children. Their growing bodies absorb more lead than
adults, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.
Babies and young children also exhibit unique behaviors that increase their risk of lead exposure.
For example, they spend more time close to the ground and often put their hands and other objects
in their mouths.

While renovation projects can be fun and rewarding, they can also expose you and your family to
lead if your home was built before 1978 . Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978,
so homes built before then may have some lead-based paint. Any renovation, repair or painting
(RRP) project in your pre-1978 home can easily create dangerous lead dust.

To keep you and your family safe from lead exposure during home renovation projects, EPA
recommends hiring a lead-safe certified contractor to perform the work. You can locate contractors
certified in vour area here. If you decide to do the work yourself, you should use DIY lead-safe work
practices to keep you and your family safe from lead exposure:

Determine if lead-based paint is present
• Set up safely
Protect yourself
Minimize dust
Leave your work area clean
Control your waste
Clean one more time

Lead-safe work practices are simple, quick and necessary to protect your family - especially
children - from lead. To help you follow lead-safe work practices during your next DIY project, EPA
also has a Renovate Lead-Safe Fact Sheet and answers to frequently asked questions available at
eDa.gov/lead/renovate-lead-safe-media-kit.

Have fun and stay safe while you renovate!

4 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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RENOVATE LEAD-SAFE

Protect yourself and your family from lead exposure by being aware of potential
hazards during home renovation projects.

in the U.S. have
lead-based paint
somewhere in the
building*

If your home was built before 1978, a
home renovation project can easily create
dangerous lead dust, one of the most
common ways children are exposed to
lead. Even low levels of lead in children's
blood have been shown to affect a child's
intellect, concentration, and academic
achievement.

EPA encourages anyone pursuing
renovations in a pre-1978 home to use a
lead-safe certified contractor. However, if
you plan to do-it-yourself (DIY), there are
simple, important steps you should take
to keep yourself and others safe during
and after the renovation.

*U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes. (2021, October).
American Healthy Homes Survey II Lead Findings.

Considering a home renovation project?

This chart can help you stay lead-safe while you renovate:

Do you
live in a
pre-1978
home?

Yes

I'm Not
Sure

— 7

Either assume lead-based paint is
present or hire a
certified lead inspector to
check for lead-based paint.

Home renovation projects are
unlikely to create hazardous
lead dust.

You should consider hiring a lead-safe
certified contractor to do the work.

Find one at:
www.epa.gov/lead/findacontractor

I'm going to do the work myself and
keep my family safe by following the
steps to lead-safe work below.

Steps to Lead-Safe Work

Set Up Safely

Protect Yourself

Minimize Dust

Keep dust in

Avoid inhaling or

Use the right

and family

ingesting lead

equipment to

members

dust, and wear

minimize dust

and other ^

protective

while you

nonworkers J^

clothing like

work. Plastic

out. / "

disposable

sheeting,

I——

coveralls, shoe

masking tape,

Carefully tape

covers and an

heavy-duty

off your work

N-100 certified

plastic bags, and

area and use

respirator mask

a misting bottle

plastic

to avoid will help you

sheeting to

carrying lead iSY collect and

cover objects

dust out of

dispose of all

you can't

the work

dust.

remove.

area.

Leave the Work
Area Clean

Clean up your
work area as
you go by
vacuuming
with a HE PA
vacuum
cleaner
frequently and
cleaningyour
tools daily.

Leave your work
area clean at the
end of each day.

Control
Your Waste

Bag and seal
waste from
DIY renovation
projects.

Most waste
generated during
these activities
should be taken
to a licensed
solid
waste
landfill.

Clean One More
Time

After completing
your DIY project
and before letting
people back in
the work area,
clean all surfaces

with damp
disposable cloths.

Consider having
the area tested
for lead dust
hazards by a
certified firm.

A rnA This document presents an overview of lead-safe work practices. For detailed information about

\7CrM lead-safe work practices, please visit epa.gov/lead/rrp-diyers.

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Sample Public Service Announcements

You can use these 15-, 30- and 60-second public service announcement scripts to promote the availability
of lead-safe certified contractors and DIY lead-safe work practices.

If you are hiring a contractor for a home renovation project, make sure
that contractor is lead-safe certified. You can use the scripts below to help
encourage the use of lead-safe certified contractors.

15 Second PSA

Stay safe while you renovate! Even small home renovation projects can cause big problems with
lead-based paint exposure if your home was built before 1978. Visit EPA-dot-gov-slash-l-e-a-d to
learn how to find a lead-safe certified contractor.

30 Second PSA

Check your home's date before you renovate! If your home was built before 1978, even small
home renovation projects can cause big problems with lead-based paint exposure. Activities like
sanding, scraping and replacing windows can create dangerous lead dust and chips, so it's best
to leave that work to a professional. Go to EPA-dot-gov-slash-l-e-a~d to learn how to hire a
lead-safe certified contractor before you start your next project!

60 Second PSA

Check your home's date before you renovate! If your home was built before 1978, even small
home renovation projects can cause big problems with lead-based paint exposure. Activities like
sanding, scraping and replacing windows can create dangerous lead dust and chips—even if
lead-based paint has been covered by layers of newer paint.

Lead professionals can help you stay safe during renovations. A certified lead inspector can
check if there's lead in your work area. If lead is found or suspected, a professional contractor
certified in lead-safe work practices can do the renovation work safely for you. You can also
choose to hire a lead abatement professional to remove the lead hazards before starting your
project.

Whatever you choose, EPA has resources to help you keep your family safe from lead exposure
during your next home renovation project. Head to EPA-dot-gov-slash-l-e-a-d to learn more about
lead-safe work practices for DIYers and how to hire a lead-safe certified contractor.

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If you decide to do a home renovation project yourself without a lead-safe
certified contractor, you should follow DIY lead-safe work practices. You can
use the scripts below to help encourage other DIYers to use lead-safe work
practices.

15 Second PSA

When I started renovating my [kitchen/bathroom/garage/etc.], I [knew/found out] my home
was built before 1978 - which means my renovation project could have exposed my family to
harmful lead-based paint! Thankfully, I learned about lead-safe DIY work practices, and you
should too. Visit EPA-dot-gov-slash-l-e-a-d for more info.

30 Second PSA

Stay safe while you renovate! When I started a renovation project on my [kitchen/bathroom/
garage/etc.], I [knew/found out] my home was built before 1978 and may contain lead-based
paint. Working on surfaces that were painted with lead-based paint—even if it's been covered by
layers of newer paint—can put you and your family at risk. A lead-safe certified contractor can do
the work safely for you, but if you're like me and decide to DIY, make sure to visit EPA-dot-gov-
slash-l-e-a-d to learn about lead-safe work practices for DIYers before your next project.

60 Second PSA

I wanted to keep myself and my family safe, so I set up safely, used personal protective
equipment, misted my work area to minimize lead dust, cleaned as I went, controlled my waste
and deep-cleaned at the end. You should be careful too! If you're planning a DIY renovation
project on your pre-1978 home, head to EPA-dot-gov-slash-l-e-a-d to learn more about how to
renovate in a lead-safe way.

7 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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Use the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) below to answer common questions about lead-safe work
practices for home renovation projects. If you have an FAQ page on your website, you can use this content
to supplement your information with important lead-safe messages. If you still have questions or want more
information to share, read through EPA's Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers page and/or call the National
Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Q: Does EPA's RRP rule apply to DIYers?

A: EPA's RRP rule states that that any contractor or maintenance staff—including plumbers,
electricians and painters—who disturbs more than six square feet of paint, replaces windows, or
does demolition work in pre-1978 homes, preschools or child care centers must be certified and
trained in lead-safe work practices.

Generally speaking, the RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing RRP projects in their
own home. However, it does apply to homeowners if they rent all or part of their home, operate
a child care center in their home or if they buy, renovate and sell homes for profit (i.e., a house
flipper).

Q: What are lead-safe work practices?

A: Lead-safe work practices are techniques used to prevent lead exposure during renovation,
repair and painting activities. When used correctly, they make the work area safer for workers
and the home safer for residents when the renovation is complete.

If you hire a lead-safe certified contractor, they have been trained to keep you and your family
lead-safe during and after the renovation. If you are planning a DIY renovation, be sure to use
simple and effective DIY lead-safe work practices, which include setting up safely, protecting
yourself, minimizing the dust, leaving your work area clean, controlling the waste and cleaning a
final time after the work is complete.

Locate lead-safe certified contractors here and learn more about lead-safe work practices for
DIYers on EPA's Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers page.

Q: I'm not remodeling, I'm just doing a small project. Do I need to worry about
lead-based paint and lead dust?

A: Yes. Renovation and repair activities in pre-1978 homes that disturb lead-based paint can
create dangerous lead dust even if the paint is covered by layers of newer paint. These activities
include remodeling, maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, painting preparation, carpentry,
window replacement, sanding, scraping and demolition.

8 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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If you have or think you may have lead-based paint in your home, it is best to hire a lead-safe
certified contractor to perform any renovation work since these contractors have been trained
and certified in lead-safe work practices. To learn more about lead-safe work practices for
DIYers, visit epa.gov/lead/rrp-diyers and to find a lead-safe certified contractor in your area, visit
eDa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

Q: Is it safe for kids and pets to be in or near the work area?

A: No. Be sure to keep kids, pets and anyone not working out of the work area during a
renovation. Even low levels of lead in children can result in long-lasting health effects like lower
IQ, slowed or stunted growth and hearing problems. Block off or seal rooms or areas where
work is being done with plastic sheeting to contain any dust that is generated. You may need
a separate place for pets because they can be harmed by lead and can spread lead dust into
other areas of the home.

Q: Do I need to worry about lead-based paint if I do not live in a pre-1978
home?

A: It is unlikely you need to be concerned about lead-based paint if your home was built in 1978
or later. However, in some instances, lead-based paint may have been purchased before it was
banned and used years later. Prior to any home renovation, repair or painting activities, verify
the year your home was built. If you are unsure about the age of your home or the presence
of lead-based paint, it is best to hire a certified lead inspector to check for lead-based paint in
the work area of your home. If lead-based paint is present, consider hiring a lead-safe certified
contractor to perform the renovation work. You can find a lead-safe certified contractor near you
by visiting eDa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

Q: How do I find out which year my home was built?

A: If you own your home, consult your ownership documents. You can also check your county
recorder's office for property records or tax assessments or hire a building inspector to assess
your house and give an age estimation.

Q: How can I know if my older home has lead-based paint?

A: A certified lead inspector can conduct an inspection and tell you whether your home, or a
portion of your home, has lead-based paint and, if so, where it is located. A professional lead
risk assessor can assess if your home has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust or soil
and what actions you can take to address those hazards. For help finding a certified lead risk
assessor or inspector, call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

Q: How much does a lead-based paint inspection or lead-based paint risk
assessment cost?

A: The cost for a lead-based inspection and/or a lead-based paint risk assessment varies
depending on your location.To get a quote, search for a certified lead-based paint inspector or
risk assessor at epa.gov/lead/findaprofessional.

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Video

Use the following ideas to produce original videos encourage hiring lead-safe certified contractors and using
DIY lead-safe work practices for home renovation projects. Don't forget to discuss why lead exposure is
dangerous and how to protect yourself and your family.

Use one of thse ideas outlined below.

1. Film yourself walking through an older home while explaining the importance
of hiring lead-safe certified contractors for renovation, repair and painting
projects on pre-1978 homes.

Here are talking points to consider:

• The federal government banned consumer use of lead-based paint in 1978. Homes built
before then may have lead-based paint, so consider hiring a lead-safe certified contractor
to do renovation, repair and painting projects. Find one in your area by visiting

epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

• Common home renovation activities like demolition, sanding, drilling, cutting, opening
walls, replacing windows, and other renovation activities create dust that could contain
lead and put you and your family at risk for lead exposure. However, you can stay safe
during your home renovation by hiring a lead-safe certified contractor who knows how to
minimize and control the dust. You can find one by visiting epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

• Since my home was built before 1978 and has lead-based paint, I found a lead-safe
certified contractor through EPA's website to do my home renovation. This contractor
is certified in lead-safe work practices that reduce the amount of dust created by
renovation activities and will minimize exposure to lead.

Creation Idee

10 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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2. Show the steps to a lead-safe DIY home renovation, making sure to
demonstrate each action.

Your introduction could sound like this: "I'm renovating my [kitchen/bathroom/living room/
house], and since I know my home was built before 1978 and may contain lead-based paint.
I'm keeping my family safe from lead by following these DIY lead-safe work practices:"

Step

Action

Set up safely

Carefully tape off your work area and cover objects you
can't remove with plastic sheeting. This keeps dust in
and family and non-workers out.

Protect yourself

Wear protective clothing like disposable coveralls, shoe
covers and an N-100 certified respirator mask to avoid
inhaling, ingesting or carrying lead dust out of the work
area.

Minimize dust

Use the right equipment to minimize dust while you
work. Plastic sheeting, masking tape, heavy-duty
plastic bags and a misting bottle will help you collect
and dispose of all dust.

Leave your work area
clean

Clean up as you go, vacuum with a HEPA vacuum
cleaner frequently and clean your tools daily. Your work
area should be left clean at the end of every day.

Control your waste

Bag waste, seal it and take the waste to a licensed
solid waste landfill.

Clean one more time

Before letting family and friends back into the work
area, clean all surfaces with damp disposable cloths.
Consider having the area tested for lead dust hazards
by a certified firm.

For more information about lead-safe renovations, visit EPA's Lead-Safe Renovations for DIYers
page at epa.gov/lead/rrp-divers.

11 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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3. Film yourself describing the dangers associated with lead exposure and how
people can stay lead-safe during home renovation projects.

Here are some facts to share about lead exposure:

•	Household dust created by home renovation projects is one of the most common sources
of lead exposure in children. Even at low levels, lead exposure in children can cause:

•	Behavior and learning problems

•	Lower IQ

•	Increased hyperactivity

•	Slowed and stunted growth

•	Hearing problems

•	Anemia

•	Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead
than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging
effects of lead.

•	No safe blood lead level has been identified for children and even very low levels of lead
in the blood can have lifelong health impacts.

•	A blood lead test is the easiest way to know if your child has been exposed to lead. Blood
lead tests are required for all Medicaid-eligible children at 12 and 24 months. Testing all
children under the age of 6 who are at higher risk for lead exposure is recommended.

For more information about the health effects of lead exposure, visit the EPA lead website at

epa.gOv/lead/learn-about-lead#effects or call 1-800-424-LEAD (5323).

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Sample Social Media Posts

Use the following Facebook posts, Instagram captions and tweets to spread the word about the
availability of lead-safe certified contractors and DIY lead-safe work practices for renovation projects on
pre-1978 homes. When creating posts to highlight RRP projects and pre-1978 DIY home renovations, you
can use the hashtags #LeadFree, # Lead Safe and #LeadFreeKids to join the conversation on reducing lead
exposure.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Create a live video discussing the dangers of lead exposure and how to protect yourself and
your family.

Write a post about finding and hiring a lead-safe certified contractor for renovation work in
pre-1978 homes.

Post a thread walking followers through the steps to lead-safe home renovations.

Share a post about how your home was built before 1978, which means your home may
have lead-based paint.

Use the hashtags #LeadFree, #LeadSafe and/or #LeadFreeKids.

Sample Instagram Captions

This year, I'm renovating my [kitchen/bathroom/living room/house]\ Since I live in a pre-1978
home that likely has lead-based paint, I'm going to hire a lead-safe certified contractor to do the
renovation. This way, I'm keeping my family #LeadSafe £ % Find a lead-safe certified
contractor near you by visiting epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I'm using a lead-safe certified contractor to perform renovation work on my home, are you?
If you're not, find one bv visiting eDa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I'm staying #LeadSafe by hiring a certified contractor to renovate my [kitchen/bathroom/living
room/house]. If you're looking to do a home renovation this year, I strongly encourage you to do
the same H&i You can finci a lead-safe certified contractor by visiting

epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I'm renovating my [kitchen/bathroom/living room/house] and since I know my home was built
before 1978, I'm keeping my family #LeadSafe by setting up safely, controlling the dust, and
cleaning up completely S You can find more information on lead-safe renovations at

eDa.gov/lead/rrp-divers.

13 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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Sample Twitter Posts

My home was built before 1978, when lead-based paint was still being used to paint homes, so
I'm hiring a #LeadSafe certified contractor to do my home renovation What about you? Find
a certified contractor near you by visiting epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I don't want to expose my children •© or pets K to lead during my home renovation, so
I'm hiring a #LeadSafe certified contractor to do the work. What about you? Find a lead-safe
certified contractor near you ^ by visiting epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I'm a homeowner doing my own renovation work, so I can easily create dangerous lead dust in
my pre-1978 home ^ That's why I'm setting up safely, controlling the dust, and cleaning up
completely. Learn more about #LeadSafe #DIY home renovations at
epa.gov/lead/rrD-divers.

I'm not sure if my pre-1978 home contains lead-based paint, so I'm having my home inspected
before doing any renovation work What about you? Find a certified lead professional near
you bv visiting eDa.gov/lead/findaprofessional.

Sample Facebook Posts

My home was built before the federal government banned consumer uses of lead-based
paint in 1978, so I'm hiring a #LeadSafe certified contractor to do my home renovation. I
know even a small amount of lead can cause long-lasting health effects in my children ^
fP If your home was built before 1978 and you're performing any home renovation work,
consider hiring a lead-safe certified contractor You can find one in your area by visiting
epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

This year, I'm planning to do a home renovation. Since I live in a home built before 1978, I'm
hiring a certified lead risk assessor so I'll know if there are lead hazards in my home and what I
can do to address those hazards jjr I know even a small amount of lead can cause long-lasting
health effects, so I'm taking precautions to stay #LeadSafe during my home renovation H You
can find a certified lead professional bv visiting epa.gov/lead/findaprofessional.

This year, I'm renovating my [kitchen/bathroom/living room/house]! ^ Since I live in an
older home that has lead-based paint, I'm going to hire a lead-safe certified contractor to do
my renovation. These are professionals who are certified in lead-safe work practices that will
minimize my family's exposure to lead Find a #LeadSafe certified contractor near you by
visiting epa.gov/lead/findacontractor.

I own a home that was built before 1978 and I'm doing my own [kitchen/bathroom/living room/
etc.] renovation. I know even a small amount of lead dust from the renovation can harm my
family I'm keeping us safe by using #LeadSafe work practices for all my #DIY home
renovation projects. I'll be setting up safely, controlling the dust, and cleaning up completely
y Learn more by visiting epa.gov/lead/rrp-divers.

14 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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Lead-Safe Shopping List

Encourage followers, viewers and others to follow lead-safe work practices by promoting and using the
right equipment for DIY home renovation projects. You can find more information about the items on the
shopping list at epa.gov/lead/rrp-divers. Download the image below and include it in your posts and on your
webpage.

The following items are available through hardware, paint, garden supply stores or other specialty
suppliers:

LEAD-SAFE SHOPPING LIST

NIOSH-certified disposable respirator with a HEPA
(High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter (N-100, R-100,
or P-100),

HEPA vacuum cleaner. Regular household vacuums
not equipped with a HEPA filter can spread harmful
lead dust into the air and the surrounding area.

Wet sanding equipment (e.g., spray mister, wet-dry
sandpaper and sanding sponges)

Two buckets and an all-purpose cleaner. Use one
bucket for the cleaning solution and the other for
rinsing. Change the rinse water frequently and
replace rags, sponges and mops often.

Heavy-duty plastic sheeting and heavy-duty plastic
bags.

Tape to completely seal the plastic sheeting in place.

Protective clothing. To keep lead dust from being
tracked throughout your home, wear clothes such
as coveralls, shoe covers, hats, goggles, face shields
and gloves and launder non-disposable work clothes
separately.

*>EPA

15 | Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit

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AEPA

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

For more information, contact the National Information Center (NLIC)
at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). Or visit epa.gov/lead.

EPA-740-B-22-006

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