Lead Dangers Still a Threat to Public Health

May 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Just this month, it was announced that two athletic fields in Salem, Massachusetts have been closed due to elevated levels of lead and cadmium found by an environmental engineering firm that was hired to test the soil.  The toxic metals were found in fill materials on the park’s ball fields.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that, “Childhood lead poisoning remains a major environmental health problem in the U.S."

Today lead based paints are one of the most common sources of lead that still exists decades after their use was banned.  To address lead concerns the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule went into effect last year.  According to the EPA, “Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children.  To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. Under the rule, beginning April 22, 2010, contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.”

“Even though lead has been banned from most materials for several decades it is still causing health concerns and lawsuits,” reported Brian Mcfarland, Vice President from Legends Environmental Insurance, a leading provider of professional lead insurance coverage.   “Failure to comply with the RRP Rule allows the EPA to seek civil fines of up to tens of thousands of dollars per offense for violations.  It’s crucial that lead contractors and inspectors protect themselves with insurance coverage for this type of work,” he continued.

To view a video cosponsored by Legends about the RRP lead regulations please visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSFoR9fHDaM



To learn more about Legends Environmental Insurance Services please visit: http://www.Legends-enviro.com, call (800) 992-6999 ext 164 or email BrianM@Legends-enviro.com.

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About Legends Environmental Insurance Services, LLC
Legends Environmental Insurance Services is nationally recognized as an innovator in providing environmental and restoration insurance programs. The company has over 30 years experience providing these services in all 50 states.