Contractors to need EPA training on lead

A child is lethargic, has developed an attention issue, is constantly irritable and has lost interest in many of the things that used to bring him joy. The parents take him to the doctor. After a series of examinations and tests, the doctor determines that the child has an elevated lead blood level.

Unfortunately, this scene has played out thousands of times. Many children face organ failure, neurological damage and even death. Sometimes the effect of lead exposure can take years to surface. And our children are the most at risk.

This is why a new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandate requires contractors engaged in renovation, remodeling or painting to successfully complete an EPA accredited training program and apply for EPA certification by April 2010 to continue to work on pre-1978 buildings.

Lead has been the root of health problems for thousands of years. The Romans used lead in their water delivery systems, as casks for the fermenting of wine and storage of food. They even used lead as a sweetening agent in their wine drinks. As a result in the use or should I say misuse of lead history proves that there are no true Romans left. Not only is lead a neurotoxin, but it also leads to lack of sex drive and even impotency.

According to the EPA, lead exposure can harm young children and babies before they are born.

Lead can enter your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips that contain lead.

There are many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.

Due to these facts, the EPA began addressing the exposure to lead back in the 1970s. Then the 1990s Title X made great inroads in further protecting children, workers and the general public.

Starting in April of 2010, a new set of EPA regulations take effect requiring contractors (specifically renovators, painters and repairmen) to receive training from an EPA accredited institution then apply with the EPA for certification. These new regulations target houses and buildings that were built before 1978's ban on lead-based paints and have children under the age of 6 present.

Furthermore, starting Dec. 22, contractors must provide safety and health information to home owners and owners or operators of child-occupied facilities that discuss the hazards of lead. This information is provided in a pamphlet, "Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers, and Schools."

Accredited EPA training became available on Oct. 22 so that firms could start the application process to conduct the above mentioned activities. To continue to work on pre-1978 buildings, contractors must have completed the EPA certification process by April 22, 2010. After that, no certification, no more work. TMCC is one of four EPA Region IX training facilities offering this course. This course is only approved for the purposes of certification under section 402 of TSCA.

As outlined in these requirements, contractors must receive training from an accredited facility that addresses safe work practices. By requiring contractors to follow an approved curriculum, the EPA and the Office of Housing and Urban Development can better control the information that is presented. The approved curriculum is comprised of classroom training and a series of 11 hands-on exercises. To ensure the training is properly presented, the EPA has even set a maximum student to instructor ratio of 10:1. This is not cattle-car training get 'em in and get 'em out; it is designed as an instructional curriculum with a specific outcome in mind.

The final outcome for this new rule is to provide contractors and their employees with the information and skill sets necessary to conduct work that may disturb lead-based paints. This training also protects the workers involved in this activity. Not unlike the asbestos requirements for worker protection, OSHA has a dedicated series of rules and requirements that must be addressed as well. As a portion of the EPA curriculum, participants are informed of the need to comply with the current OSHA regulations and to any state requirements. So it is not just an EPA requirement that must be met, it is a requirement that crosses many jurisdictions to protect us as a society.

While the EPA, HUD and OSHA have lead requirements, they are not the only ones. Lead is also regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which is instrumental in halting the import of toys and other products that contain lead at or above the amounts we currently consider to be safe. Many of you may remember the late 1990s warning concerning lead in vinyl mini-blinds that were imported from specific countries. The problem with these and many of the other products and items that contain lead is that the lead has the ability to leach towards the surface, forming a fine dust. Children 6 and younger practice "hand-to-mouth," the tendency to touch whatever catches their attention and then place their hand in their mouth. But adults can be at risk at well since certain candies and soft drinks imported into the United States from some developing nations have lead levels that exceed what we consider to be safe levels.

Lead contamination is serious. We must all do our part to ensure that our children grow up safely without the dangers of lead. For details on TMCC's Lead Training for Renovators, Repair and Painters public courses, go to wdce.tmcc.edu and click on classroom courses or call 829-9010.

Scott Alquist is the TMCC workforce development and continuing education Division program manager and oversees the TMCC Safety Center and regulatory compliance training. Contact him at salquist@tmcc.edu or 857-4958.