The EPA wrote a new rule that will take effect on April 22, 2010 that requires contractors doing remodeling work on buildings — homes, child care centers, and schools — built prior to 1978 have an EPA certification. The reason? Lead-based paint. It can be very harmful to children and adults when disturbed.

According to The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

On April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning in April 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. Until that time, HUD and EPA recommend that anyone performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools follow lead-safe work practices.

To read more about this regulation, visit HUD’s page dedicated to the new EPA rule.

How does this affect you? If your home was built before 1978 and you are planning on renovating your home using a contractor, make sure that contractor has the EPA certification. (Same goes for schools and child care centers!)