A legacy of old homes, businesses, and institutions, lead paint poses a health risk in deteriorating buildings, during renovations and demolitions, and with children present. If you find yourself in any of these situations, before any work for renovation – especially repainting interiors – you should (and may be required to) inspect and test for lead paint. Learn what a lead paint inspection entails and why it goes hand-in-hand with the Lead RRP process.
[Read more…] about What’s Involved in a Lead Paint Inspection?
Today we still have the legacy of lead paint in homes and businesses across the United States, even though the risks and bans have been long known. When we discover that commonly used construction materials are toxic, it is a very gradual process to enact state and federal bans against it and begin recovery. The risks of lead from lead paint had been well known for decades if not centuries, but the slow march of government, intensive lobbying, and dragging lawsuits took a long time to enact change. Let’s look at why lead paint is still present in so many buildings, using an example that is close to home. 
Many older homes have hidden secrets that can endanger the health and wellness of its family and those who work on it, such as during renovation. One of the most common hazardous materials is lead paint. Before the ban of the late 1970s, lead paint was commonly used in buildings – from households and schools to businesses and industry. Now, it’s important that with any older home from the position of the homeowner to homebuyer to do your due diligence for homes and lead paint. 
Ready to paint your home, but worried about the presence of lead paint in your house? It’s an understandable concern in older homes, especially those before 1978 when lead paint was banned from use in building paint. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or looking to get assistance from a contractor, it’s essential to understand the risks and safety measures needed to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from lead paint. 
Lead, just like many of the heavy metals, is hazardous to the human body. But until other hazardous substances were controlled at the federal and state level, lead’s use – specifically in paint as a coloration and material enhancing aid – was only regulated after 1978. As the years progressed and the harmful effects have been better documented, it’s become more than just critical to protect children from lead poisoning, but also the law to have child-care facilities like daycare centers and school inspected for lead paint. As such, it’s vital to get your building inspected if there are children present. 
From repainting a wall to renovating a room, it’s important to understand the dangers of lead paint in older houses. This is a risk not just posed to you, but any contractors hired for the work. For the safety of your family and these employees, it’s important to talk to them about their RRP Certification and to get your home tested and lead paint removed if it poses a danger. This article will go over what the risks of lead paint is, why RRP Certification exists, and what to talk to your contractors about. 