Resources to Prevent Lead Exposure from Renovation & Remodeling Projects in Puerto Rico

Lead-based paints were banned for residential use in Puerto Rico and across the rest of the United States in 1978. Unfortunately, many homes built before then still have some lead-based paint in them. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports there are some 34 million homes in the U.S. that have lead-based paint somewhere in the building.

Lead-based paints are also one of the most significant sources of lead exposure and lead poisoning. This is due to the fact that when these paints deteriorate, are disturbed, or when they are unsafely removed from surfaces by dry scraping, sanding, or open-flame burning, lead-containing dust can contaminate a property. People can then be exposed by inhaling or ingesting the lead dust.

“These are all reasons why potential lead exposures need to be considered during renovation and remodeling activities in older homes and buildings,” said Harry Pena, President of Zimmetry Environmental. “The EPA even requires any renovation, repair, or painting (RRP) projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and preschools built before 1978 to be performed by lead-safe certified contractors. In most cases, EPA’s Lead RRP rule does not apply to homeowners doing projects in their own homes. It’s also important to recognize that depending on where a project is taking place, there may be various local regulations that deal with lead.”

For those taking on an RRP project, EPA provides the following tips for lead-safe work:

• Set Up Safely
• Protect Oneself
• Minimize Dust
• Leave the Work Area Clean
• Control Waste
• Clean One More Time

In Puerto Rico and across the Caribbean, the environmental, industrial hygiene, and building science professionals at Zimmetry offer comprehensive testing, consulting, and training services to identify and mitigate potential exposure risks to lead and other substances, such as asbestos, mold, PCBs, radon, and additional hazards. These services conform to all of Puerto Rico’s existing regulations and can safeguard children, families, and workers, while also helping to keep companies and institutions in regulatory compliance.

Zimmetry also recently sponsored an educational video about potential lead exposure risks from renovation and remodeling projects that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/vdRs4mq8M58

To learn more about Zimmetry Environmental and their environmental, industrial hygiene, and compliance testing and consulting services, please visit www.zimmetry.com, call (787) 995.0005, or email info@zimmetry.com.

About Zimmetry Environmental
Since 2002, Zimmetry Environmental has been providing environmental consulting services to building owners and managers, architects, engineers, EHS professionals, and Fortune 500 companies. The company is based in Puerto Rico and provides services across the Caribbean and Central America. The professionals at Zimmetry offer environmental compliance, indoor air quality, asbestos, lead-based paint, Phase I ESAs, and general environmental consulting services.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

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