Today marks the start to the National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week October 24- 30, 2010. Lead poisoning is a serious health condition that can cause serious effects on the brain, nervous system, reproduction, cardiovascular, renal, and blood. It is especially serious for pregnant woman and small children impacting both their physical and mental development. See CDC for more information.
Beginning on April 22, 2010 , federal law under the EPA’s RRP, requires contractors, remodelers, handyman, painters, specialty trades or any professionals that disturbs lead-based painted surfaces in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified by the EPA and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Those not certified face fines steep fines. Common remodel, repair and renovation activities include sanding, scraping, cutting, and demolition creates dust that may contain lead and is hazardous to both children and adults. To learn more and become certified see EPA.gov. Also, see past posts on this topic on this site here.