Homeowners Unaware of Lead Hazards During Remodeling

The experience has taught Dato an important lesson as well. “When you’re living there and spending a few hours each day in a particular room, it can affect you regardless of your age or health.” Had Dato’s client hired an uncertified remodeler, his health could still be in question.

In addition to improving his client’s well-being, Dato’s bathroom remodel received the 2011 South Central Regional CotY Award in the Residential Bath under $30,000 category.

In honor of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (October 21-27, 2012), NARI is providing this checklist to minimize lead exposure for homeowners living in pre-1978 homes:

•             Verify that your contractor’s firm is registered with the EPA unless your state has taken over with its own lead safety program, in which case the certification process may be slightly different. To find out if your state is working under its own lead program, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm#authorized. 

•             Verify at least one person is a Certified Renovator and has documented the training of the work crew and is supervising the work being completed in the home.

•             Know that these certifications must be accessible at the work site at all times.

•             Firms must post signs before renovation begins, clearly defining the work area and warning occupants and other persons not involved in renovation activities to remain outside of the work area.

•             Make sure you understand and sign the EPA’s “Renovate Right” brochure.

•             Remove all belongings from the immediate area of the renovation.

•             Notice if your contractor is using plastic sheeting that is taped 6 feet beyond the perimeter of surfaces undergoing renovation; reusable cloth coverings are not acceptable.

•             Renovators should be cleaning up and mopping daily to minimize dust contamination.

•             Contractors must use HEPA vacuums and/or wet mopping to remove lead particles.

•             All contaminated materials should be placed in heavy duty plastic bags before your contractor disposes of them.

To learn more about testing your child’s lead levels, testing your home for lead for lead or preventing health effects related to lead exposure visit http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm. To find a NARI remodeler in your area who is a Lead Certified Renovator, visit www.nari.org. For green remodeling information, please visit www.greenremodeling.org.