The Environmental Protection Agency may adopt a new rule requiring contractors to have training and certification in working with homes with lead based paint and require them to adhere to certain work safe practices. Although lead based paints have been banned since the late 70s, the problem now is coming from renovations. When walls are drilled, sanded or removed, the resulting dust contains lead and is poisonous, particularly for children under the age of 6.

If passed, the new rules could mean up to $500 million more in renovation costs in the US in a year. Consumers will bear the brunt of that cost as contractors will pass on the additional costs of their training in their prices. Opponents of the new law fear that the higher costs will cause more people to do the renovations themselves which would be even more dangerous. If the law is passed, an estimated $5 billion will be saved in medical and educational costs for children affected. Lead poisoning causes learning disabilities particularly with reading and math.

Whether the law is passed or not, it is wise to be aware of lead based paint if you live in an older home. Ask potential contractors what training they have in dealing with lead based paint and how they will keep the dust from spreading throughout your home. When you do the renovations, remove the furniture from the affected rooms and seal them off with heavy plastic. Also, create a direct path, sealed with plastic, leading from the renovated room to the outside so that dust is not trekked through the rest of the house. When renovations are complete, be sure to clean the room very well including wiping down walls, mopping the floors or using a HEPA vacuum.