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EPA Hosts Public Information Sessions about Lead-Based Paint, Renovations and Health in New Haven, Connecticut

Release Date: 05/16/2014
Contact Information: Emily Zimmerman 617-918-1037

(Boston, MA—May 16, 2014)— The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will hold two public information sessions on how EPA’s Renovation Rule can help prevent lead exposure during renovations in homes, apartment buildings and schools. The sessions will take place on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, from 4:00-5:30 pm and again from 6:30-8:00 pm, on the second floor of the New Haven Health Department offices at 54 Meadow Street, New Haven.

EPA’s Renovation Rule requires that firms performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, pre-schools and kindergartens built before 1978 become certified by EPA. Firms must also use certified renovators and follow lead-safe work practices. Lead-safe work practices include: containing the work area with plastic sheeting; minimizing dust, and cleaning up thoroughly after working.

EPA recently announced a compliance assistance and enforcement initiative in the New Haven area to boost compliance with the Renovation Rule, and help reduce potential for exposure to lead-based paint. EPA held a workshop for local contractors on April 16, and on May 20 will hold the public information sessions to educate residents about lead-based paint exposure and the key provisions of the Renovation Rule.

Lead-based paint was banned from consumer use in 1978. Since most homes in New England were built before 1978, they may contain lead. With New Haven having the highest rate of lead poisoning among young children in Connecticut, it’s important to increase awareness of lead-based paint exposure and to boost compliance with EPA’s Renovation Rule.

Recent enforcement efforts on the part of EPA have improved compliance with the Rule and as a result protected public health. Last month, EPA and the Department of Justice announced that Lowe’s Home Centers, one of the nation’s largest home improvement retailers, agreed to implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide compliance program at its over 1,700 stores nationwide to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities, as required by EPA’s Renovation Rule.