State to run lead paint regulation

ATLANTA --- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is preparing to regulate the remodeling of roughly two out of every five houses in Georgia as it steps in for the federal government in monitoring lead paint removal.

Painters, carpenters and plumbers who work on houses built before the use of lead paint ended in 1978 are required to take prescribed steps to capture the dust and paint flakes during their projects.

Tradesmen who deal with 6 square feet of painted surface must be certified to prove they have the required 16-hour training, and they must keep records in case they are inspected or audited.

Lead was added to paint to improve its holding ability, but federal regulators concluded that benefit was outweighed by the harm to young children from breathing or ingesting dust. Lead has been blamed for learning defects, hyperactivity and high blood pressure in adults.

The department's Environmental Protection Division is adding five people to its staff to ensure tradesmen are following safety procedures, such as covering work areas in plastic and attaching vacuum hoses to their sanders.

When up and running, Georgia's program will be one of just eight in the country overseen by state regulators rather than federal officials, according to Mark Smith, the chief of the EPD's Land Protection Branch.

Both the Natural Resources Board and industry representatives prefer it that way.

"We know from experience here in Georgia that it is far better to deal with the state-level regulators than the federal level, particularly when it comes to communication," said Bettie Sleeth, a lobbyist for the Homes Builders Association of Georgia.

The EPD has held meetings with construction groups while drafting the rules.

"They were very cognizant of the effect on industry," Sleeth said.

In setting fees for contractors, which range from $125 to $300 a year, the agency aimed below most of the other states. The first step was getting legislative approval in April for the fees, Smith said.

When the board formally approves the rule this fall, the next step will be notifying property owners of the need to hire one of the 4,000 certified contractors when repairs or renovations are planned for older homes.