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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would not impose lead dust clearance as an addendum to its Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting rule, which was imposed in April 2010. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry applauded EPA for making this decision to not impose additional costs to the LRRP rule.
“After carefully weighing all available information and considering the public comments, EPA has concluded it is not necessary to impose new lead-dust sampling and laboratory analysis, known as the clearance requirements, as part of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (LRRP) rule. The Agency believes that the existing lead-safe work practices and clean up requirements - which went into place in 2010 - will protect people from lead dust hazards created during renovations jobs without the need for additional clearance requirements,” according to EPA.
In a recently completed survey of homeowners, using Meredith Corp.’s Home Enthusiast Panel, NARI found that 53 percent of respondents were unaware of LRRP rule. NARI created a working group to address concerns among the industry and make recommendations to government officials on the LRRP rule. Among recommendations made, NARI said EPA should revise the rule to define desired outcomes; educate the general public and asses the impact of homeowner-initiated projects on childhood lead poisoning; create a regular newsletter to provide updates and overhaul the website to become a better communication tool; and clarify the responsibilities of a subcontractor.