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Lead-Safe Remodeling Reduces Risks, NAHB Tells Congress
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Mike Nagel | Appearing Oct. 18 before the Senate Public Works and Environment Committee, Mike Nagel, NAHB Remodelers 2007 chairman, cautioned Congress against imposing inappropriate and costly lead-safe regulatory burdens on professional remodelers that would make it cost-prohibitive for consumers to hire trained professionals or that could lead to further proliferation of potentially harmful do-it-yourself projects.
Instead, Nagel told Senate leaders, Congress should work with the relevant federal agencies to coordinate efforts, to fully fund important lead-safe training programs and to effectively use the combined resources in a way that maximizes outcomes.
Nagel told Senate leaders that professional remodeling, renovation and repair work, performed by knowledgeable, trained contractors, can serve as an agent against spreading lead hazards in older homes.
“Despite decades of effort, lead poisoning remains an important problem facing young children living in older homes and housing units,” Nagel said. “NAHB Remodelers has responded to this challenge by implementing extensive training and public awareness programs and has worked cooperatively with the EPA and other advocacy groups to promote voluntary programs for lead-safe work practices.”
Last year, NAHB Remodelers and an environmental consulting company tested the effects of typical remodeling practices in homes where lead paint was present. The testing confirmed that lead-safe remodeling and renovation improves lead levels in older homes, and that new hazards are not created when typical remodeling and renovation is done by trained professionals.
NAHB continues to invest significant resources in research about the benefits of lead-safe work practices and looks forward to working with Congress to expand on efforts like these in the future, Nagel said.
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