EPA Requiring Lead Paint Removal Certification

Washington, DC, March 22, 2010--Remodelors who work on homes built before 1978 will have to be certified by the EPA beginning April 22, according to a story in Green House.

The rule is designed to address the problem of lead paint removal, which was common before 1978.

The rule is aimed at limiting exposure to lead and applies to carpenters, plumbers, heating and air conditioning workers, window installers and others.

People who hire uncertified workers for their pre-1978 homes won't face fines, but the remodelers themselves could.

EPA has certified only 14,000 workers in lead-safe practices despite its own estimate that more than 200,000 will need to be trained, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

The NAHB, which represents contractors and opposed mandatory certification, says it's offering training classes but EPA won't certify enough remodelers by April 22. It's calling on EPA to extend the deadline.