Agency clamps down on lead work violators

Lead rules need to be enforced to protect workers and
homeowners as well as children, the EPA says.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced three enforcement actions for violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP) as well as other important rules.

The rule has been put in place to protect workers from lead exposure during renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition. Inhaling lead dust has been linked to human health problems.

Lead exposure can cause behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures and even death and young children are particularly at risk because their bodies and nervous systems are still developing.

The rule took effect on April 22, 2010, and now administrators are looking for ways to enforce it to protect workers and children from hazardous lead dust.

Lead was a common ingredient in paints used before the 1950s and could therefore still be present in older homes and buildings.

Workers could be exposed to lead when removing old paint from a building’s exterior, for example, and by not properly containing the dust, it could also get into neighboring homes and contaminate the ground.

Home repair companies and contractors are required to train workers under the rule and make sure people understand the dangers of lead and ways to protect themselves.

The EPA will evaluate a company or individual’s ability to pay a penalty and adjust it accordingly.

Source: EPA

Indoor air quality during renovations: A serious concern

Portable air cleaners can be moved
easily from one site to the next.

Renovations can expose workers and residents to a host of pollutants, not only lead dust, but also asbestos fibers, mold spores, chemicals, construction dust and more.

It is very important to deal up the portions of a home undergoing renovations and to make sure that the pollutants are contained.

Many companies and contractors will work with personal protective equipment, strong vacuums and air cleaners to help reduce exposure.

Electrocorp’s air cleaners for industrial and commercial applications contain a multistage filtration system with activated carbon and HEPA that can remove the widest range of indoor air pollutants.

The units can be used for positive or negative pressure environments to contain potentially harmful contaminants.

For more information and a recommendation of units, contact Electrocorp.