BONNERS FERRY — A little-known federal rule enacted in 2008 requiring EPA compliance for most remodel work that could stir up lead dust.

The law includes dust kicked up from paint on homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978, including sanding, chipping and repainting.

The law went into effect April 29.

The Renovation, Repair and Painting rule affects contractors, property managers, electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters and others in the building maintenance and repair trades, requiring EPA certification and training before undertaking any job that might release paint-based lead, which is known to be detrimental to health, particularly to those under six years of age.

According to the EPA, lead paint poisoning affects over one million children, and dust from renovation, repairs and painting can contaminate an entire home. If swallowed or breathed in, it can cause multiple health problems.

The rule requires that those doing such work hand out an EPA pamphlet on the dangers of lead to owners and occupants of pre-1978 facilities undergoing work before that work begins.

It also requires that signs be posted while such work is in progress defining the nature, locations and dates of the renovations, and that lead-safe work practices be followed during the job, such as containing work areas to prevent the spread of dust, only using flame or power tools that are equipped with HEPA exhaust controls, and thoroughly cleaning up after each job.

In addition, records of the process must be completed and kept on file for three years.

The new rule does not apply to housing built after 1978, to housing for the elderly unless children six years of age or younger also live there, to places declared lead-free by a certified inspector, or to inside projects disturbing less than six square feet or less of paint per room or 20 square feet or less on the exterior.

Those failing to meet the new requirements could face significant fines.

Requirements on properties receiving housing assistance through Housing and Urban Development, to include state and local agencies funded by HUD, are even more stringent.

The rule does not apply to homeowners doing work on their own home or building, but those doing such work are urged to obtain and read a copy of the EPA's “Renovate Right” pamphlet, available on the EPA website, www.epa.gov.

A list of regional contractors certified to perform work under the new rule is also available on their website. As of Tuesday, no Bonners Ferry contractors were listed and the only contractor in Boundary or Bonner Counties to be listed was Priest River Glass.

In addition to their website, further information on the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule is available at the EPA-HUD National Lead Information Clearinghouse, 1-800-424-5323.