EPA’s RRP rule impacts many construction trades, including general contractors

and special trade contractors, painters, plumbers, carpenters and electricians. Activities performed by all of these trades can disturb lead-based paint and have the potential to create hazardous lead dust. Research has shown that the most common source of lead exposure for children today is deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing and contaminated lead-based paint dust. Renovation and repair activities can create additional significant risks to children when lead-based paint in pre-1978 structures is disturbed. Because children’s developing bodies and nervous systems are particularly susceptible to poisoning from lead-based paint, it is especially important that renovation, repair and painting work be performed in a way that minimizes exposure to lead-based paint dust. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. For most individuals, eight hours of training is required. However, individuals who have successfully completed renovation courses developed by HUD or EPA, or an abatement worker or supervisor course accredited by EPA or an

authorized State or Tribal program, can become certified renovators by taking a four hour EPA-accredited renovator refresher training.