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Lead Based Paint

RI Renovations is Certified Through the EPA and Rhode Island to Perform Repairs, Renovations and Painting (RRP) in Homes Containing Lead Based Paint!

What does being an EPA Certified Renovator mean to you? It not only means that our team of skilled craftsmen are better prepared and fully trained in handling any potential lead-based paint hazards while working in your home, but also that we are partnering with our communities in protecting homeowners and families against this danger.

Lead-based paint was used in over 38 million homes prior to 1978 before it was banned due to the discovery of the health hazards associated with its use. These potential hazards can come in the form of paint chips, and/or dust, all of which can cause very serious health problems if not handled correctly. In fact, improperly disturbing lead based paint increases the dangers and risks to your family. Children ages 0-6 are especially vulnerable to these dangers because their bodies are still developing. Even very small amounts of lead based paint dust exposure in children can cause:

• Nervous system damage
• Kidney damage
• Decreased intelligence
• ADD/ADHD
• Other learning disabilities
• Speech, language and behavioral problems

Lead can be passed from pregnant women to their unborn children resulting in miscarriages, premature births, brain damage and low birth weight. Health effects of lead exposure in adults include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Fertility problems
• Digestive problems
• Nerve disorders
• Memory and concentration problems
• Sexual disorders
• Muscle or joint pain

Recognizing the serious effects of lead based paint, the EPA enacted legislation to protect citizens from lead and lead dust resulting from renovations. Effective April 22, 2010, any person who is paid to perform renovations which disturb lead-based paint in homes or child-occupied commercial facilities built prior to 1978 must be from a certified renovation firm, the “protective measure” set up and final “dust sampling” must be performed by an EPA Certified Renovator, and the onsite worker(s) must be properly trained in lead safety for renovation, repair and painting.

RI Renovations is taking the lead in lead-safe practices and has successfully completed all the required courses to become a certified renovation firm with certified renovators on staff, as required. At RI Renovations, we see this as one more way that we can provide the very best service to our customers and communities. This certification means that RI Renovations and staff have been fully trained in:

• Distribution of proper educational information to homeowners - the EPA’s “Renovate Right” brochure detailing important lead hazard information for families, child care providers and schools.
• Properly and accurately testing your home to determine if the work you need to have done can potentially disturb lead-based paint.
• Following Lead Safe work practices - during work, our craftsmen will follow strict safety guidelines set forth by the EPA (and your local government) including:
  • Properly sealing the contaminated area to avoid exposure, including doorways and heating and cooling systems.
  • Determining if a recommendation for alternate living arrangements is necessary to ensure the safety of you, your family and your pets.
  • Using only approved tools to reduce the creation and spread of lead based paint dust and fumes.
• Conduct proper cleanup activities upon completion of the work. This includes additional testing and re-cleaning of the area as necessary until dust levels are below the levels set by the EPA as safe.

For additional information, please download a copy of the “Renovate Right” brochure (http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf). Additionally, you can call the National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (424-5323).

If you are currently living in a home built prior to 1978, don’t take the risk. contact us to schedule one of our certified craftsmen to test your home for lead-based paint. One of our founding principles at RI Renovations has always been the safety of our customers. Our team is looking forward to partnering with you to make our homes and communities safer for our families and children.

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