News Release Distributed 05/17/10
As part of its Healthy Homes educational program, the LSU AgCenter will conduct a Lead Certified Renovator training class on June 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Grant Walker 4-H Educational Center in Pollock, La. The center is 15 miles north of Alexandria on U.S. 165.
All firms that perform work that disturbs lead-based paint in housing and other child-occupied facilities built before 1978 are now required to be Environmental Protection Agency-certified and must also have at least one “certified renovator” on the job site where lead-based paint is disturbed, according to Claudette Reichel, LSU AgCenter extension housing specialist.
This EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting rule went into effect in April. To become a certified renovator, an individual must successfully complete a Lead Certified Renovator class conducted through an EPA-accredited provider.
“Renovation contractors and painters play a crucial role in protecting children from the irreversible developmental damage of lead poisoning,” Reichel Reichel. “Even low levels of lead exposure in children can damage the developing brain, cause behavior problems, slow growth and hearing problems.”
Lead poisoning is also harmful to adults, Reichel said. “It can increase blood pressure and cause reproductive problems, nerve damage and memory problems.”
The June 12 class will be taught by LSU AgCenter instructors qualified through the National Center for Healthy Housing, a nationwide EPA-accredited training provider.
The class is also eligible for continuing education units for Louisiana residential contractors, Reichel said. Individuals who complete the class and pass the exam will receive EPA Lead Certified Renovator certificates with their photograph that will serve as verification of certification.
Information on registration and fees is available online at www.lsuagcenter.com/LaHouse under the seminars and events link.
Mary Ann Van Osdell