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Newsroom Archive

2017

  • August 29, 2017 -- Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes or floods, often result in the need for renovations to damaged homes and other structures. When common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition occur in structures that contain lead-based paint, such activities create lead-based paint hazards, including lead-contaminated dust. Lead-based paint hazards are harmful to both adults and children, but particularly pregnant women and children under the age of six. To ensure that property owners and occupants are able to act quickly to preserve their homes and property in the wake of disasters, the RRP rule includes an emergency provision exempting firms from certain requirements. Read more about post-disaster renovations and lead-based paint.
     
  • January 10, 2017 -- One of the 10 great public health achievements in recent history is the great progress we have made in reducing childhood lead exposure. Over the past 50 years, EPA and federal and state partners have worked together on actions that have eliminated or drastically reduced the use of lead in gasoline, paint, plumbing pipes, food cans, and a variety of other products. Achieving continued meaningful reductions in lead exposure requires a long-term concerted effort that addresses all current and historic sources. EPA published a science-based public health approach and a coordinated strategy for continuing our progress to reduce lead exposures and protect public health. This approach outlines a common set of public health principles that will guide the Agency’s work to eliminate the adverse effects from lead exposure. Read more.

2016

  • November 3, 2016 -- EPA announced more than 100 federal enforcement actions completed over the last year that require entities like renovation contractors, landlords and property managers to protect communities and public health from exposure to lead. From October 2015 through September 2016, EPA entered into 123 settlements for alleged violations of one or more of the three lead-based paint rules--the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule; the Lead Disclosure Rule; and the Lead-based Paint Activities Rule for abatements--and filed six complaints for ongoing actions. Each settlement requires that the alleged violator return to compliance and, in most cases, pay civil penalties. Collectively, the settlements require violators to pay $1,046,655 in penalties. Read more.
  • October 17, 2016 -- EPA fined a Portland, Oregon based remodeling firm, Hammer and Hand Inc., $69,398, for failing to comply with federal lead-based paint rules. Hammer and Hand failed to follow lead-safe work practices while performing renovation work on two older homes in Portland last year. Read more.
  • September 28, 2016 -- EPA and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) today announced a settlement with Sears Home Improvement Products Inc. that resolves alleged violations of the federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule for work performed by Sears’ contractors during home renovation projects across the country. Under the settlement, Sears will implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide program to ensure that the contractors it hires to perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities. Sears will also pay a $400,000 civil penalty. Read more.
  • February 10, 2016 -- EPA finalized revisions to the Lead Renovation, Repair (RRP) program to reduce burden and costs to industry and to clarify language for training providers. The cost savings of this rule are estimated at approximately $1.8 million to $3.4 million per year. EPA will now allow online training for every other recertification for the renovator refresher training under the lead-based paint program. Renovators who take the online training will be certified for three years; renovators who take the hands-on training will be certified for five years. The Agency is also simplifying the certification process in states that do not have delegated programs under the Lead-based Paint Activities (abatement) program. Finally, EPA is clarifying language on the requirements for training providers. Read more.

2015

  • December 21, 2015 -- EPA is seeking public comment on lead test kits and other field testing options. Without proposing any regulatory amendments at this time, EPA is specifically solociting comment on the following potential lead test kit and field options: 1) proposing to eliminate the positive response criterion; 2) proposing to modify the positive response criterion; 3) maintaining the current negative response and positive response criteria; 4) proposing to provide reduced RRP certification training requirements for XRF technicians; 5) exploring any other lead-based paint field testing technology that would provide reduced costs for consumers, remodelers and families to comply with the RRP rule. EPA will receive written comments in the docket for 60 days. Read the Federal Register Notice.

  • October 27, 2015 -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced 75 enforcement actions from the past year that require renovation contractors and training providers to protect people from harmful exposure to lead dust and debris, as required by EPA’s Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) regulations. Read the press release.

  • May 12, 2015 -- EPA is holding a public meeting related to lead test kits referenced in the 2008 Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule. The meeting will be held on June 4, 2015. EPA is specifically seeking information related to: 1) the existing market for lead test kits as referenced in the 2008 RRP rule; 2) the development or modification of lead test kit(s) that may meet EPA’s positive-response criterion (in addition to the negative-response criterion); and 3) other alternatives for lead-based paint field testing. EPA will receive written comments in the docket for the 2008 RRP rule for 30 days after the meeting is held. Read more.

  • May 7, 2015 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) releases a new report, "Educational Interventions for Children Affected by Lead". The report outlines available scientific data describing the effects of lead, summarizes in plain language the Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) parts B and C, and provides information on how these provisions relate to children affected by lead.

  • April 16, 2015 -- EPA is extending the certifications of certain individual renovators under the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) rule. Please be aware that the extensions only apply to individual renovators who must get recertification training within the timeframes explained in the rule. The extensions do not apply to firm certifications. EPA is taking this action so that, if and when the changes in a January 2015 proposed rule are finalized, those renovators can take advantage of the changes. Certifications were extended only for individual renovators whose certifications expire before changes to the refresher training can be finalized. The extensions do not apply to individual renovators that need their initial certification. Read more.

  • January 14, 2015 -- EPA is proposing revisions to the Lead-based Paint Program. The minor revisions will improve the day-to-day function of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) and Lead-based Paint Activities (abatement) programs by reducing burden and costs to industry and clarifying language for training providers. Cost savings to industry are estimated to be between $9.6 million to $9.8 million per year. In addition to these revisions, the Agency is requesting comment on extending the renovator recertification deadline until this rule can be finalized.

2014

  • December 19, 2014 -- After carefully reviewing the most recent available scientific evidence, and consulting with the Agency’s independent science advisors, EPA is proposing to retain, without revision, the national ambient air quality standards for lead. Read more.

  • December 19, 2014 -- EPA announced 62 enforcement actions that require renovation contractors and training providers to protect people from harmful exposure to lead dust and debris, as required by EPA’s Lead-based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) standards. Read the press release.

  • August 6, 2014 -- EPA is seeking public comment on the “Approach for Estimating Exposures and Incremental Health Effects from Lead Due to Renovation Repair and Painting Activities in Public and Commercial Buildings.” The document describes in detail the modeling methodology that can be used to estimate the amount of lead in the environment and in people’s bodies, and health effects related to exposure to lead-based paint as a result of renovation, repair and painting activities in public and commercial buildings.

    Following public input, EPA will seek independent scientific peer review of the report. EPA will consider public comments on these documents and other information as the Agency assesses whether lead-based paint hazards are created by public and commercial building renovations. Any proposed regulation would also be open for public review and comment. Read the Federal Register announcement and the Approach document.

  • May 28, 2014 -- EPA is seeking public comment on the “Framework for Identifying and Evaluating Lead-Based Paint Hazards from Renovation, Repair, and Painting Activities in Public and Commercial Buildings.” The Framework describes a tailored approach for identifying and evaluating potential hazards created by renovations of public and commercial buildings. EPA will consider the public comments as the Agency assesses whether hazards are created by public and commercial building renovations. The Agency will develop proposed requirements to reduce any hazards, if found; such requirements would also be subject to public review and comment. Read the Federal Register announcement and the Framework.

  • April 25, 2014 -- EPA is inviting small businesses to participate as consultants on a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel as the agency considers steps to reduce lead-based paint exposure from the renovation, repair, and painting of public and commercial buildings. Read the press release.

  • April 17, 2014 -- EPA and the Department of Justice announced that Lowe’s Home Centers, one of the nation’s largest home improvement retailers, has 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 the federal Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. The company will also pay a $500,000 civil penalty, which is the largest ever for violations of the RRP Rule. Read more information about the settlement.

  • March 14, 2014 -- Delaware has become the fourteenth state authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. The state program is now in effect in lieu of the federal RRP program. For more information about the program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact Delaware’s Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at (302)744-4546.

  • February 18, 2014 -- EPA announced enforcement actions that will require 35 home renovation contractors and training providers to take additional steps to protect communities by minimizing harmful lead dust from home renovation activities, as required by the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Standards. Read more.

2013

  • September 24, 2013 -- EPA published a report on “How to Identify Lead-Free Certification Marks for Drinking Water System & Plumbing Materials.” Read more.
  • August 6, 2013 -- CPSC announces a recall of certain children's bedroom furniture due to lead paint. Read the announcement.
  • July 31, 2013 -- CPC announces a recall of certain children’s outdoor furniture due to lead paint. Read the announcement.
  • June 26, 2013 -- EP released the final report "Integrated Science Assessment (ISA) for Lead," which provides a concise review, synthesis, and evaluation of the most policy-relevant science to serve as a scientific foundation for the review of the Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). Read the announcement.

  • May 13, 2013 -- EPA published a notice of a public meeting that will be held June 26, 2013, on renovation, repair and painting activities in public and commercial buildings. A December 31, 2012 advance notice announced the meeting and opened a comment period to allow data and other information to be submitted by the public and interested stakeholders. This current notice provides additional details related to the public meeting, including a discussion guide summarizing data and information received, and reopens the comment period to the public and interested stakeholders. Read more. Exit

  • May 2, 2013 -- EPA announced an additional 17 enforcement actions for violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule. Read the press release.

  • February 22, 2013 -- Home improvement TV show, Hometime, aired a special segment in early February on tips and advice on EPA's Lead RRP Rule on nationwide syndicated networks and PBS. Watch the video. Exit

  • February 4, 2013 -- EPA, HUD, and several other agencies today unveiled Advancing Healthy Housing – A Strategy for Action to address the nation's health and economic burdens caused by preventable hazards associated with the home, and encourage preemptive actions that will help reduce the number of American homes with health and safety hazards. Read the announcement.

  • January 25, 2013 -- EPA released "America's Children and the Environment, Third Edition," a comprehensive compilation of information from a variety of sources on children’s health and the environment, including specific information on lead. Read the announcement.

2012

  • December 31, 2012 -- EPA announced a public comment period and requested (1) data and other information on whether RRP activities on public and commercial buildings might create lead-based paint hazards, and (2) on appropriate certification, training, and work practice requirements. The comment period runs through April 1, 2013. EPA also announced that a public meeting on this topic will be held on June 26, 2013. For more information, including instructions for providing comments, read the Federal Register notice.
  • December 28, 2012 -- EPA has updated the lead hazard information document "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." EPA will not require users to discard older versions of the document, therefore existing stocks may be used until exhausted. Download the new document (PDF) . For print files of the document, contact your EPA regional office or the National Lead Information Center.
  • December 3, 2012 -- HUD announced the 2013 Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Grant Program. Read the announcement.
  • November 14, 2012 -- EPA announced 16 enforcement actions for violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP). Read the press release.
  • April 5, 2012-- EPA fines violators of the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule. Read the press release.

2011

  • October 23-29, 2011-- Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (LPPW). For children, even low levels of lead exposure can cause a host of developmental effects. Read the press release.
  • July 5, 2011--  Georgia became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. EPA's authorization of Georgia's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Georgia's Attorney General certifying that the Georgia programs are at least as protective as the federal lead RRP program and that the Georgia programs provide adequate enforcement. The state program is now in effect in lieu of the federal RRP program. For more information about Georgia's new program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Lead-based Paint and Asbestos Program at 404-363-7026 or visit the state website. Exit
  • April 20, 2011 -- EPA joined with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Ad Council to sponsor a public service announcement advertising campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning to children. The ads, in English and Spanish, urge viewers to visit the campaign website and hotline 1-800-424-LEAD to learn more. Read the press release.
  • March 16, 2011 -- Washington state became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program and a Pre-Renovation Education program. EPA's authorization of Washington's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Washington's Governor certifying that the Washington programs are at least as protective as the federal lead renovation, repair and painting program and that the Washington programs provide adequate enforcement. The state programs are now in effect in lieu of the federal RRP program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. For more information about Washington's new program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact Cynthia Sanderson, manager of lead programs for the state of Washington, cynthia.sanderson@commerce.wa.gov, or visit the state website. Exit

2010

  • November 16, 2010 -- The State of Alabama became the tenth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Alabama. Similar EPA requirements have been in place nationwide since April 22, 2010, but the Alabama program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Alabama's program is based on the application letter from Alabama's Governor, Bob Riley, and a certification from the Attorney General, Troy King, that the Alabama program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Alabama's new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the contact the Alabama Lead Program at 334-206-5373 or 205-348-4667, or visit the state website Exit

  • August 3, 2010 -- The American Bird Conservancy, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and a number of other groups submitted a petition to EPA under section 21 of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) asking EPA to "prohibit the manufacture, processing, and distribution in commerce of lead for shot, bullets, and fishing sinkers." Read more.

  • July 22, 2010 -- EPA announced the preliminary results of its effort to evaluate lead test kits under the Agency's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program. Learn more about the ETV results.

  • July 13, 2010 -- The State of Massachusetts became the ninth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Massachusetts. Similar EPA requirements are in place nationwide, but the Massachusetts program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Massachusetts' program is based on a certification from the Attorney General that the Massachusetts' program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Massachusetts' new program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety at 617-969-7177, or visit the state web site. Exit

  • July 6, 2010 -- EPA announced a rule (PDF) (18 pp, 121K) that increases protections against lead-paint poisoning by eliminating the ability of owner-occupants of older housing to "opt-out" of having their contractors follow lead-safe work practices. Read the press release, and read more about the rule ending the opt-out provision.

  • July 2, 2010 -- EPA announced that it will extend the comment period for its proposed Lead Clearance rule until August 6. Under this proposal, renovation firms would have to perform dust wipe testing after certain renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. Read the notice (PDF) .

  • May 3, 2010 -- Oregon became authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program and a Pre-Renovation Education program. EPA's authorization of Oregon's program is based on the receipt of an application for authorization signed by Oregon's Governor certifying that the Oregon programs are at least as protective as the federal lead renovation, repair and painting (RRP) program and that the Oregon programs provide adequate enforcement. The programs are now in effect in lieu of the federal renovation programs. For more information about Oregon's program, including information on applying for certification or to find training, contact Richard Leiker, manager of lead programs for the state of Oregon, richard.d.leiker@state.or.us, or visit their web site. Exit

  • April 23, 2010 -- EPA moved expeditiously to process firm certification applications received by April 22, 2010. EPA is providing guidance to facilitate compliance and ease the transition period following the RRP rule's effective date. For more information, please see an Agency memo on implementation (PDF) and a set of frequent questions (PDF).

  • April 23, 2010 -- EPA announced several new actions to prevent lead paint poisoning. Almost a million children have elevated blood lead levels as a result of exposure to lead hazards, which can lead to lower intelligence, learning disabilities, and behavior issues. In addition, adults exposed to lead hazards can suffer from high blood pressure, headaches, and memory loss. Children under six years old are most at risk. Read the press release.

    EPA announced these three actions:

    • A final rule to apply lead-safe work practices (PDF)  (18 pp, 212K) to all pre-1978 homes, effectively closing an exemption that was created in 2008. The rule will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
    • A notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (37 pp, 250K) to require dust-wipe testing after most renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. For some of these renovations, the proposal would require that lead dust levels after the renovation be below the regulatory hazard standards. EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. The agency expects to finalize the rule by July 2011.
    • An advance notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (15 pp, 115K) to announce EPA's intention to apply lead-safe work practices to renovations on public and commercial buildings. The advance notice also announces EPA's investigation into lead-based paint hazards that may be created by renovations on the interior of these public and commercial buildings. If EPA determines that lead-based paint hazards are created by interior renovations, EPA will propose regulations to address the hazards.

  • April 20, 2010 -- The State of Utah has become authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program on April 8, 2010. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the State of Utah. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Utah program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Utah's program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Gary R. Herbert and a certification from Fred G. Nelson, Assistant Attorney General, that the Utah program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement. For more information about Utah's program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, Division of Air Quality, Lead-Based Paint Program at 801-536-4000, or visit the state web site. Exit

  • April 20, 2010 -- EPA joined with the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Ad Council to sponsor a public service announcement advertising campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of lead poisoning to children. The ads, in English and Spanish, urged viewers to visit the campaign website or contact the lead hotline 1-800-424-LEAD to learn more. Read the press release. Exit

  • April 20, 2010 -- The State of Rhode Island became the first New England state to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Rhode Island. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Rhode Island program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Rhode Island's program is based on a certification from Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch on March 4, 2010, and Governor Donald L. Carcieri on April 9, 2010, that the Rhode Island program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

    For more information about Rhode Island's program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Rhode Island Lead Program at 1-401-222-5960, or visit the state web site. Exit

  • April 19, 2010 -- The State of Kansas has become the fifth state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Kansas. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Kansas program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of the Kansas program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Mark Parkinson and a certification from Camille Nohe, Assistant Attorney General, that the Kansas program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

    For more information about Kansas' program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Prevention Program, at 866-865-3233, or visit the state web site. Exit

  • April 12, 2010 -- The State of Mississippi became authorized for the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) program, upon the submittal of an Authorization Application and a letter requesting authorization from Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour and a certification from the Special Assistant Attorney General, J. D. Woodcock, that the Mississippi program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

    This will enable Mississippi to administer and enforce an RRP program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Mississippi. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 22, 2010, but the Mississippi program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. For more information about Mississippi's program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Mississippi Lead Program at 601-961-5171 or visit the state website. Exit

  • January 21, 2010 -- North Carolina became the third state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of North Carolina. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 2010, but the North Carolina program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of North Carolina's program is based on the application letter from North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue and a certification from the Chief Deputy Attorney General, Grayson G. Kelley, that the North Carolina program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

    For more information about North Carolina's program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the North Carolina Lead Program at 919-707-5950 or visit the state website. Exit

  • January 19, 2010 -- The State of Iowa became the second state in the nation to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. This program mandates that contractors working in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978 be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices by the state of Iowa. Similar EPA requirements will be in place nationwide by April 2010, but the Iowa program will operate in lieu of EPA's program in that state, allowing for greater local oversight. EPA's authorization of Iowa's program is based on the receipt of an application from Governor Chet Culver and a certification from Heather Adams, Assistant Attorney General, that the Iowa program is at least as protective as the EPA RRP program and provides adequate enforcement.

    For more information about Iowa's program, including information on applying for certification or finding training, contact the Iowa Department of Public Health, Bureau of Lead Poisoning Prevention at 800-972-2026, or visit the state web site. Exit

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