How Certified Lead Removal Contractors in Boston Prevent Lead Exposure During Property Renovations
Do you ever feel nostalgic everytime thirty or fifty-year old buildings and structures in Boston are being demolished, renovated or modernized? The melancholy behind transforming and remodeling of old buildings that served as community landmarks is quite understandable, but very few people are aware of the environmental and health impact of said renovation and repairs being made, more particularly to those who are within the vicinity or close contact to the work site. For your information, if you like watching old buildings or your own 30-year old home being torn down as you reminisce the good ol' days, you might actually be exposing yourself to undue health risk. The health dangers during commercial and home remodeling and repairs is extremely high for those built before 1978 because during carpentry, painting, plumbing, demolition, sanding, and window work, lead dust and chips are released into the air. These microscopic lead-contaminated particles when inhaled would most likely result to lead poisoning. Children are of higher risks although adults are similarly endangered. Irreversible damage to the brain and nervous system are among the few immediate effects of lead exposure.
To address this health hazard, the EPA lead law will soon take effect on April 22, 2010. The law shall apply to residential and child occupied properties built before 1978 and will require anyone paid to work on said old properties to be trained and certified by the EPA on proper lead containment procedures. Anyone caught violating this regulation will be subjected to a fine of $37,500 per infraction. For owners of properties built before 1978 who are thinking of doing the repairs or renovations on their own, should think again. Instead, it may be more prudent and practical to choose only EPA certified lead removal renovation, repair and painting contractors. Those residing in the Boston and the Southshore MA area could always look for lead removal home improvement contractors who have taken it upon themselves to get the proper certifications from EPA even before the law takes effect. These are the reliable ones who will work on home renovation or repair projects of old buildings and homes, employing lead removal procedures that is fully compliant with the new EPA lead law.