As of April 22nd of this year, the EPA has changed rules regarding how contractors deal with homes that may have lead base paint in them. These new rules affect all homes, schools, and daycare centers built before 1978. Contractors are now required to wear special gear “outfitted with air filters, goggles and hoods,” and work spaces will have to be “protected with heavy plastic and cleaned thoroughly with special vacuums, with warning signs posted.” This will affect anyone remodeling a home built before 1978. Most lead poisoning does not occur from eating paint chips, but rather from contact with lead dust from renovation projects.
A lot of Seattle homes fall into this category, so it is something to consider when buying a home that needs work. It may in the short term add an additional expense to remodeling projects; however it is much more important to protect everyone’s health. Hip hip hooray for the EPA!!
Erin Goodwin
