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For Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, EPA Offers Two Free Webinars Oct. 25 on Hazards of Lead and Lead-based Paint

Release Date: 10/19/2012
Contact Information: Donna Heron, 215-814-5113 or [email protected]

PHILADELPHIA (October 19, 2012) -- October 21-27 is Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host two free webinars - one for contractors and another for property owners - on the hazards of lead and lead-based paint.

Lead poisoning is the number one environmental health threat to children in the United States, ages six and younger. The most common source of lead exposure is through deteriorating lead-based paint in residences and commercial buildings built before 1978.

The theme of this year's National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future, underscores the importance of the many ways parents can reduce a child's exposure to lead to prevent serious health effects.


The webinars, to be held Oct. 25, 2012, are part of the agency’s on-going efforts to make families aware of the hazards presented by lead and lead-based paint in the home and places where children under six years of age are regularly present.


Webinar on Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule : 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The first webinar, geared toward contractors and anyone paid to work on houses or facilities where young children are regularly present (such as daycare centers, schools, clinics, etc.), will focus on the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). The RRP requires that contractors be certified in lead safe work practices and complete training from an EPA accredited training provider. The ultimate goal is to reduce lead contamination during renovation and construction work.

The rule applies when the renovation or repair disturbs six sq. ft. of interior (about the size of a standard poster) or 20 sq. ft (about the size of a standard door) of exterior painted surfaces. The RRP became effective on April 22, 2010. The rule does not apply to individuals doing work on their personal residences. However, EPA recommends that lead-safe work practices be used by individual homeowners whenever possible.

Webinar on Lead-based Paint Disclosure Rule: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

The second webinar, geared towards owners of residential rental properties and the sellers of residential property built before 1978, will focus on the Lead-based Paint Disclosure Rule. This rule requires the disclosure of known information on lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards before a lease or sale becomes effective. Sales contracts and leases must include a disclosure form about lead-based paint. Buyers have up to 10 days to check for lead hazards. Further, landlords and sellers must also provide the EPA publication Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home to tenants and buyers.

The long-term effects of lead exposure in children can be severe. They include learning disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing and even brain damage. If caught early, these effects can be limited by reducing exposure to lead or through medical treatment. Children under 6 years of age are particularly at risk as pound per pound they eat more, drink more and breathe more air compared to adults. Pregnant women should avoid exposure to lead as the effects can be passed on to the child.

Recognizing that families have a right to know about lead-based paint and potential lead hazards in their homes, EPA and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development developed the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule which has been in effect since 1996.

To register for either free webinar go to: https://www.epa.gov/reg3wcmd/lead.htm#webinars

For more information on protecting your home and family from exposure to lead or to locate or to become a Certified Lead-Safe Firm go to: www.epa.gov/lead or call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323)