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There are so many benefits to green home remodeling: reducing your energy expenses, improving indoor air quality, using sustainable products, and more. One critical component that you won't find on most green remodeling discussions is lead-safe deconstruction practices. Over 90% of all housing in the New York area built before 1978 contains some lead-based paint on the interior or exterior. If managed properly, lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard. If allowed to deteriorate, however, lead from the paint or lead dust can create serious health hazards. Similarly, without proper precautions, renovations of surfaces with lead-based paint release lead dust.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. Lead-paint poisoning affects over one million children today. Adverse health effects include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech delays. If not done in a lead-safe manner, renovations and repair activities that disturb lead-based paint can expose children, as well as adults, to harmful levels of lead dust.

The good news is that EPA, a government agency that protects our environment, has established guidelines on how to deal with lead in their new Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule, which took effect starting in 2010.

GRNY Renovation is proud to be an EPA Certified Lead-Safe Renovator and Licensed Contractor in NYC.

The RRP rule includes a training program for contractors to become lead-safe certified. Renovation contractors, electricians, HVAC specialists, plumbers, painters and maintenance staff who disrupt more than six square feet of lead paint and do not comply with the rule are subject to fines. Many building departments and management companies, even those with green-building requirements, are now checking for lead-safe certified firm certification.

Fortunately, as a consumer, you have a choice to hire a lead-safe certified firm, like GRNY Renovation, that will address any lead issues if found. You can learn more about renovating your older home through the EPA's Renovate Right Brochure: http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovaterightbrochure.pdf

Official US Environmental Protection Agency link at http://www.epa.gov/lead
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GRNY Renovation is a licensed and insured general contractor firm.
EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm.
Certified NKBA Professional Member.
www.GRNYrenovation.com

You have the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your family, tenants, or children in your care. This means properly preparing for the renovation and keeping persons out of the work area. It also means ensuring your contractor uses lead-safe work practices.

From 2010 onwards, federal law requires that contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 to be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Protect yourself and your family. Contact Us today for an appointment with the EPA certified experts at GRNY Renovation.