BROOKLYN — After what seemed to be an endless winter, homeowners may be welcoming the warmer weather as a signal to start a vast array of home improvement projects. Homes that may have suffered damage as a result of snow and ice build-up may be in need of repair, renovation, or a new coat of paint. With that, public health officials from the Northeast

District Department of Health are reminding homeowners of risks associated with renovations that could impact the health of residents living in the home.

“The first thing that comes to mind is the risk of lead poisoning, especially in children,” said NDDH Public Health Nurse Nancy Beaudry. “Lead is especially dangerous to children under the age of six, whose brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to its damaging effects. Even small amounts of lead dust can cause lower intelligence, learning disabilities, and behavior problems.”

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. While it has some beneficial uses, it can be toxic to humans and animals. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products found in and around homes, including paint, ceramics, pipes and plumbing materials, solders, gasoline, batteries, ammunition, and cosmetics.

“Lead in dust is the most common way that people are exposed to lead,” explained Beaudry. “Lead dust can form from deteriorating paint that is peeling, chipping, or damaged, or when lead-based paint is scraped, sanded, or heated. Babies and young children are at higher risk for exposure because of their hand-to-mouth behavior. Adults, particularly pregnant women, can be exposed by breathing lead dust in areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings.”

Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

The EPA’s 2008 Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule (amended in 2010 and 2011), requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state); use certified renovators who are trained by EPA- approved training providers; and follow lead-safe work practices The rule also applies to property owners who are performing their own renovations in rental properties.

Although the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule does not apply to individual homeowners renovating, repairing, or painting their own homes, do-it-yourself projects can easily create dangerous lead dust, so homeowners need to educate themselves and take all precautions to work safely with lead-based paint if they chose not to hire a certified renovator.

“There are a number of resources available both on-line and from your local health department to assist you in renovating right,” commented NDDH Director of Health Susan Starkey. “Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable environmental disease among young children. To achieve the goal of eliminating this disease, we must raise awareness and assure that local contractors and homeowners have the tools and information they need to renovate right.”

Starkey also noted that many home improvement projects that include construction such as covered entryways, decks, storage sheds, barns, swimming pools and other additions or conversions often require special permits. She advises homeowners to contact NDDH prior to the start of any building project.

“Homeowners, landlords, and contractors can save time, resources, and unnecessary expense simply by contacting their local health department,” explained Starkey. By working together, we can assure that home improvement projects have happy and healthy outcomes.”