HIGH POINT – The city plans to launch an educational effort for those who work in the housing industry on sweeping new regulations regarding lead-based paint that will take effect later this year.

The Environmental Protection Agency’s lead-based paint renovation, repair and painting rule (the RR&P rule) becomes law April 22 and will require EPA certification for those who work in homes that contain lead-based paint or that were built before 1978.

The city, in partnership with High Point University, will sponsor a free EPA certification class March 22-26, with the goal of training and certifying 100 people in a one-week period. The sessions will be funded by a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant and will be designed to accommodate 20 people per day.

According to the city, the EPA law, which will be enforced in North Carolina by the Department of Health and Human Services Health Hazards Control unit, requires renovations performed for pay on any pre-1978 structure must be done by EPA-certified firms using certified renovators. To qualify as an EPA-certified firm, contractors as well as landlords and property managers are required to attend an 8-hour class and apply to the state for a license which requires a $300 fee.

The law will apply to housing as well as any “child-occupied facility” where children younger than 6 years old visit. These may include schools, hospitals, churches and childcare facilities.

The rule came about as a result of childhood lead poisonings in the United States. Routine construction, renovation and maintenance activities, such as grinding, sanding, drilling and cutting, can create hazardous levels of dust.

Children who are chronically exposed to lead-based paint dust or chips can be susceptible to learning and behavioral problems.

pkimbrough@hpe.com | 888-3531