The EPA will begin enforcing its Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP Rule) which requires that contractors who work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied facilities be trained and certified to use lead-safe work practices. It also requires that contractors provide owners and occupants of the properties with an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet, known as the Renovate Right pamphlet, before the start of renovations.
Essentially, Renovate Right helps homeowners and tenants understand the risks of lead-based paint and how to minimize these risks. The rule aimes to ensure that common renovation and repair activities like sanding, cutting and replacing windows minimize the creation of lead dust.
While the RRP Rule took effect on April 22, 2010, it has been a subject of contention between children’s health advocates, politicians, federal agencies, and industry associations since its inception. And according to a recent Inspector General report, the EPA was found to have been operating its lead-paint oversight program at a $16 million deficit.
The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regulation change goes through on 1/1/15, requiring all pre-1978 rentals to have a lead inspection.
Learn about how the RRP program applies to you here:
Additional Information about the RRP Program can be found here.
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