Citizen's Guide to Lead

EPA studies have determined that the primary pathway of lead exposure is from inhaling lead dust. Those living and working in areas with lead dust can be exposed to lead hazards as they breathe in lead dust, often too small in size to be detected by sight.

The EPA established the RRP Rule on April 22, 2010 requiring that those working in residential structures, likely to contain lead hazards, are to be trained and EPA certified in lead hazard control methods to protect workers, clients and residents from lead exposure from their workplace activities. Also to reduce the likelihood that renovation workers will bring lead hazards to their residences from their work places.

LEAD IS A POISON
There is no known “safe” level of exposure for humans. Lead was banned from use in residential paints in 1978. Persons living and working in residential structures built before 1978 may be exposed to lead hazards.

The Niagara County Department of Health is mandated by New York State to aid children with elevated blood lead levels, especially those under 6 years of age. These young children are the most vulnerable of our population to lead poisonings destructive and irreversible effects upon the human nervous system and bones. Lead may also be stored in the bones during prolonged exposure, at low levels, and released later in older adults with negative health effects.

Contractor's Guide to Lead

Niagara County Department of Health HUD Lead Hazard Control Capacity Building Grant Program

Announces FREE training classes for EPA Renovator Certification
CALL TODAY 439-7567 or 439-7511
Space is Limited So Reserve Early!!

Click here for the Free Training Announcement

The EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires EPA RRP certification for renovation contractors performing activities that disturb lead-based paint:

• In residential housing constructed before 1978
• Where a child under the age of 6 years resides or visits at least 3 hours two days a week and whose combined visits total at least 60 hours per year
• When 6 sq. ft. or more of interior surface is disturbed
• When 10 sq. ft. or more of exterior surface is disturbed

Renovation contracting firms are required to have at least one renovation worker trained and certified as an EPA/HUD Model Renovator

EPA Enforcement Guidelines For the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule)

On June 10, 2010, announced the following Guidelines for Enforcement of the Lead RRP Rule.

“For violations of the RRP Rule’s renovation worker Certification requirement, EPA will not enforce against individual renovation workers if a person has applied to enroll in, or has enrolled in, by no later than Sept. 30, 2010, a certified renovator class to train contractors in practices necessary for compliance with the final rules. Renovators must complete the training by December 31, 2010.”

Contact Information

Niagara County Department of Health, Environmental Division

Shaw Building, 5467 Upper Mountain Road

Lockport, NY 14094

716-439-7567 or 716-439-7511

Email LeadHazard@niagaracounty.com