Yet, I was grateful to get into one of these hard to find courses. The class was facilitated by a very knowledgeable instructor on the new EPA regulations that have been handed down by the Federal Government. As a builder and renovator, I soon became very disturbed as I discovered the dangers of lead poisoning.

Few people know that this new Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program for Renovation, Repair, and Painting (LHMP-RRP) became effective on January 1, 2010 in North Carolina. This legislation, and the rules adopted, were passed under N.C. Gen. Stat. $130A-453.12-453.21 in August of 2009. The program is regulated by the NC Health Hazards Control Unit in Raleigh, however the authorities for local verification have yet to be determined.

Why Do You Need to Be Concerned About Lead?

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around our homes. Lead also can be emitted into the air from motor vehicles and industrial sources, and lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials. Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death. Children six years old and under are most at risk.

Where lead is found

In general, the older your home, the more likely it has lead-based paint.
• Paint. Many homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint. The federal government banned lead-based paint from housing in 1978. Some states stopped its use even earlier. Lead can be found:
• In soil around a home. Soil can pick up lead from exterior paint, or other sources such as past use of leaded gas in cars, and children playing in yards can ingest or inhale lead dust.
• Household dust. Dust can pick up lead from deteriorating lead-based paint or from soil tracked into a home.
• Drinking water. Your home might have plumbing with lead or lead solder. Call your local health department or water supplier to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead.
• The job. If you work with lead, you could bring it home on your hands or clothes. Shower and change clothes before coming home. Launder your work clothes separately from the rest of your family's clothes.
• Old painted toys and furniture.
• Food and liquids stored in lead crystal or lead-glazed pottery or porcelain. Food can become contaminated because lead can leach in from these containers.
• Lead smelters or other industries that release lead into the air.
• Hobbies that use lead, such as making pottery or stained glass, or refinishing furniture.
• Folk remedies that contain lead, such as "greta" and "azarcon" used to treat an upset stomach.

Certifications are hard to come by initially; you have to find a certified instructor with room available in their class. (I suggest contacting the Asheville HBA, at 299-7001, for more information.) After successfully passing the examination, and of course paying a fee , you can then register your firm to be a Certified Lead Renovator. After completing this, you are authorized to train your employees to be Lead Renovators. Owners and landlords of homes built before 1978 should be aware of these dangers and seek certified firms to contract with for their renovations. To learn more about the EPA’s Federal Program, visit www.epa.gov/lead.



Sean Sullivan is an Accredited Builder and past president of the Asheville HBA. His firm, Living Stone Construction, is a first-tier builder of fine custom homes in Western North Carolina. Their mission is to provide their clients with a new or renovated home that exceeds their expectations. They do that with an attention to detail and adherence to their five core values: quality, integrity, value, timeliness and communication.