Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Lead-based paints were banned in the United States for residential use in 1978, but many homes built before then still have some lead-based paint. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports there are some 34 million homes in the U.S. that have lead-based paint somewhere in the building.
Unfortunately, lead-based paints are also one of the most significant sources of lead exposure and lead poisoning. As these paints deteriorate, are disturbed, or when they are unsafely removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning, lead-containing dusts can contaminate a property. People can then be exposed by inhaling or ingesting the lead dust.
These are all reasons why potential lead exposures need to be considered during renovation and remodeling activities in older homes and buildings. The EPA evens requires any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and preschools built before 1978 to be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. In most cases, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing projects in their own homes. It’s also important to recognize that depending on where a project is taking place, there may be various state or local regulations that deal with lead.
For those taking on an RRP project, EPA provides the following tips for lead-safe work:
• Set Up Safely
• Protect Oneself
• Minimize Dust
• Leave the Work Area Clean
• Control Waste
• Clean One More Time
These are just a few of the many things to know about lead exposure risks associated with renovation and remodeling projects. To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
CTSI ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
Lead-based paints were banned in the United States for residential use in 1978, but many homes built before then still have some lead-based paint. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports there are some 34 million homes in the U.S. that have lead-based paint somewhere in the building.
Unfortunately, lead-based paints are also one of the most significant sources of lead exposure and lead poisoning. As these paints deteriorate, are disturbed, or when they are unsafely removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning, lead-containing dusts can contaminate a property. People can then be exposed by inhaling or ingesting the lead dust.
These are all reasons why potential lead exposures need to be considered during renovation and remodeling activities in older homes and buildings. The EPA evens requires any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and preschools built before 1978 to be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. In most cases, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing projects in their own homes. It’s also important to recognize that depending on where a project is taking place, there may be various state or local regulations that deal with lead.
For those taking on an RRP project, EPA provides the following tips for lead-safe work:
• Set Up Safely
• Protect Oneself
• Minimize Dust
• Leave the Work Area Clean
• Control Waste
• Clean One More Time
These are just a few of the many things to know about lead exposure risks associated with renovation and remodeling projects. To learn more about this or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, or safety issues, please visit the websites shown below.
Clark Seif Clark csceng.com
EMSL Analytical, Inc. emsl.com
LA Testing latesting.com
Zimmetry Environmental zimmetry.com
CTSI ctsiweb.com
Healthy Indoors Magazine healthyindoors.com
