Question: I hear so many rumors about the EPA's RRP Rule. Some say compliance will put me out of business. Some say compliance will cost thousands of dollars extra to replace one window. Where do I find out the facts?
Answer: That's a great question. Yes, you'll see a lot of rumors about the new lead-safe rule that are not based in fact. Your first line of defense against confusion will be to take an RRP class and become a Certified Renovator.
Of course, an 8-hour class cannot answer every single question or confusion that arises. To do your research, and not rely on third parties that may have motives other than educating you, I suggest you turn to the EPA's own Frequently Answered Questions.
This list of RRP FAQ was updated Aug. 23, 2010.
Here are some questions and answers from the list:
Question: I thought lead-based paint had been phased out. How many homes still contain lead-based paint?
Answer: HUD’s National Survey of lead and Allergens in Housing estimated that 38 million permanently occupied housing units (40% of all housing units) in the United States contain some lead-based paint that was applied before the residential use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978. “Housing units” include single-family homes, manufactured housing, and multi-unit dwellings like apartments. Vacant housing, group quarters (e.g., prisons, hospitals, and dormitories), hotels, motels, and other short-term housing, military bases, and housing where children are not permitted to live (e.g., housing designated exclusively for the elderly and those with zero-bedroom units) are not included in this number. More information on these statistics is available from HUD.
Question: When testing a work area, does one spot-test kit suffice for any single component? What if a component's surface area is extensive (i.e. a large wall)?
Answer: The certified renovator is only required to use one spot test kit for each component, even if the surface of the component is extensive (e.g., a large wall).
Got an RRP question for Bill? Click here
Comments