EPA to Postpone Enforcement of Lead-Paint Regulation

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Due to pressure from home builders and some members of Congress, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will postpone the enforcement of a new lead-paint regulation to give home improvement contractors more time to meet the new federal requirements, reports the Wall Street Journal.

The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting regulation, aimed at reducing the amount of lead dust created during home renovation and repair, took effect in April and requires contractors who work in older homes to become certified by a government-approved trainer and follow specific safety precautions, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Industry groups argued that there is a shortage of government-approved trainers and the regulation will result in fines and litigation against contractors, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The EPA said it will delay enforcement of the rule's certification requirement until October, and will give contractors until Sept. 30 to apply or enroll in training classes. Training must be completed by Dec. 31.

However, contractors still must follow the safety precautions of the new rule, reports Chicago Breaking Business.

The EPA estimates about 285,000 children between the ages of one and five years  had elevated lead levels in their blood each year from 1999 to 2004.

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