If your home was built before 1978, listen up. Hiring a contractor is going to require one more step. They will need to have a certificate from the EPA saying they know how to clean and dispose of lead-based products.
"Older homes have a higher percentage of having lead-based paint inside them and if you sand that paint, then you create dust in the home. If there's children around, you could create neurological problems and depressed IQ's," said Wallace Reid.
Wallace Reid is with the EPA in Seattle. Starting April 22, any contractor who does any sanding, cutting or demolition on one of these older homes will need to go through training to get one. Work areas should be sealed off, vents should be covered, and a hepa-vac should be used for clean up. No dust should be found anywhere in the house.
"If there is dust spread throughout the home, then they didn't do the job properly," he said.
Reid warns about anyone who tries to talk you into hiring them without the certificate.
"If people say these rules aren't really required and we don't create much dust, we really don't have to be certified, those are red flags," he added.
The EPA says you can verify all certificates through their local office over the phone. Also they'd like to hear about people who don't have the certificate.
You can call them at 206-553-6389. For more information click here.
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