On August 5, 2011 the EPA announced changes to its Lead Renovation and Repair, and Painting Program (RRP) requiring contractors to conduct lead dust testing to determine whether a work area has been properly cleaned and ready for re-occupancy.
This is a victory for MHI and other coalition partners, who lobbied EPA and Congress to eliminate the use of this controversial “clearance testing” requirement. EPA, in its August 5 final rule, determined that dust cleaning and removal protocols required by the current rule are sufficient to reduce lead dust hazards.
In addition to the “clearance” testing requirement, the final rule makes a number of minor changes and clarifications to the training program and accreditation process in the RRP program. MHI and the RRP Coalition will continue to advocate for changes to the current rule to allow houses without children or pregnant women to opt out of the required lead test.
To view the August 5 Federal Register Notice click here
