Nowthen Plumbing is Lead Safe Certified

Plumbing projects often require a lot of sanding, cutting, pounding, and demolition. These activities can release harmful dust and chips from lead-based paint into the air and sometimes result in lead poisoning in adults and children. On April 22, 2008 the Environmental Protection Agency took measures to prevent home lead poisoning by issuing a decree that all companies involved in home renovation and construction projects must become Lead Safe Certified under the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule as of April 22, 2010.

Under the rule, contractors and plumbers must use lead-safe work practices and always make sure to contain the work area, minimize dust, and clean thoroughly afterward. All workers must be trained by EPA approved experts by taking an eight-hour training course that educates renovators on the hazards of lead-based paint and teaches them the most effective lead-safe procedures to follow when renovating. The training session also requires two hours of hands-on instruction and firms must reapply for certification every five years.

Lead paint poisoning is a very serious issue, especially among children. Serious effects of childhood lead poisoning can include learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and speech impediments. Nowthen Plumbing always has your safety in mind, first and foremost with all projects, which is why we became a Lead Safe Certified company immediately after the new regulations were announced.

No matter what the project, no matter how big or small, if you’re unsure about whether your home is lead-safe please call Nowthen right away. We’ll come to your home as soon as possible to make sure you and your family are not at risk of lead poisoning. Anoka, Andover, Maple Grove, or Brooklyn Park–no matter where you are, we’ll be there to keep you safe.

Nowthen will always follow the most up-to-date lead-safe procedures, but it is also important to educate yourself and your family about lead safety as well.

For more information about lead-safety and the EPA ruling visit the EPA Website. Again, remember that all builders, remodelers and plumbers need this certification when working in a home that could contain lead.