Joint agreement with State Attorneys General and NPCA bring lead paint warnings to the consumer.Consumer paints have not contained lead since it was banned by federal regulation in 1978 pursuant to a federal law that was passed in 1970. In reality, paint manufacturers reduced or stopped using lead entirely in paints by the early 1950s. So why is there a new agreement and an establishment of a new national program of warnings? Consider there are 98,000,000 housing units in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. ; of those, 38,000,000 have some form of lead-based paint. Today there are still 300,000 children suffering from lead poisoning lead poisoning or plumbism (plŭm`bĭz'əm), intoxication of the system by organic compounds containing lead. , which is entirely preventable. In response to this concern the National Paint and Coatings Association (NPCA NPCA National Parks Conservation Association NPCA National Peace Corps Association NPCA National Precast Concrete Association NPCA National Paint & Coatings Association NPCA National Pest Control Association NPCA Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority ) and the State Attorneys General have established an industry action cooperative agreement that both warns and educates consumers of the potential for lead-dust exposure. With the increase in home improvement and renovations being done by homeowners or contractors in older housing stock, the opportunity for lead-dust exposure increases during the remodeling remodeling /re·mod·el·ing/ (re-mod´el-ing) reorganization or renovation of an old structure. bone remodeling process. Old windows typically pose significant risks of special concern from the painted wood trim, which historically may have been coated with lead-based paint. Attracting moisture and the friction from window movement causes the paint to deteriorate de·te·ri·o·rate v. 1. To grow worse in function or condition. 2. To weaken or disintegrate. and generates lead dust. This new general lead-dust warning program is designed to have a broad reach to the professional and consumer audience, as well as assisting state and local officials in this arena. The agreement between NPCA and State AGs concentrates on product label warnings, point-of-sale materials, and education. Consumers and contractors are the main audience for this awareness program. Generally there has been a shift in focus from removal of all lead paint from an older property ("lead free") to the safer and more efficient maintenance programs ("lead safe"), which this program spotlights. The NPCA/AG agreement is a mandatory lead-dust exposure warning system to be implemented by all Consumer Paint manufacturers and enforced by all signatory sig·na·to·ry adj. Bound by signed agreement: the signatory parties to a contract. n. pl. sig·na·to·ries One that has signed a treaty or other document. state AGs. Both parties want to promote timely and meaningful notice to consumers of the potential risks of lead-dust exposure that can arise from surface preparation during remodeling, renovation, and repainting where old lead-based paint currently exists. Presently there is no federal mechanism or procedure that provides this type of warning to consumers. The NPCA/AG agreement has five major components: stickering, labeling, point-of-sale information, education and training program, and finally, NPCA is obligated ob·li·gate tr.v. ob·li·gat·ed, ob·li·gat·ing, ob·li·gates 1. To bind, compel, or constrain by a social, legal, or moral tie. See Synonyms at force. 2. To cause to be grateful or indebted; oblige. to produce annual reporting on overall program compliance and progress under the Agreement. The following is a brief examination of each component of the NPCA/AG agreement. Stickering Warning Requirements Effective September 30, 2003 through April 30, 2005 all consumer paints will be required to have a sticker bearing a short warning message (Figure 1). Small containers--16 oz or less or 24 oz or less for aerosols--are exempt from this requirement. This sticker is to be affixed af·fix tr.v. af·fixed, af·fix·ing, af·fix·es 1. To secure to something; attach: affix a label to a package. 2. to the lid, plug, or side of the container, by lithograph or by using a pressure sensitive or adhesive adhesive, substance capable of sticking to surfaces of other substances and bonding them to one another. The term adhesive cement is sometimes used in place of adhesive, especially when referring to a synthetic adhesive. sticker. It must be clear and conspicuous con·spic·u·ous adj. 1. Easy to notice; obvious. 2. Attracting attention, as by being unusual or remarkable; noticeable. See Synonyms at noticeable. and not cover any other product warnings or use instructions. There is no specification for the sticker other than the actual wording of the message. Point of Sale Information Requirement From September 30, 2003 until December 31, 2007, paint manufacturers are obligated to provide point-of-purchase information wherever their product is sold to ensure the consumer receives it. This literature must be printed in both English and Spanish Spanish, river, c.150 mi (240 km) long, issuing from Spanish Lake, S Ont., Canada, NW of Sudbury, and flowing generally S through Biskotasi and Agnew lakes to Lake Huron opposite Manitoulin island. There are several hydroelectric stations on the river. . The NPCA has prototype information that is available through select vendors. All required elements of the U.S. EPA EPA eicosapentaenoic acid. EPA abbr. eicosapentaenoic acid EPA, n.pr See acid, eicosapentaenoic. EPA, n. brochure entitled en·ti·tle tr.v. en·ti·tled, en·ti·tling, en·ti·tles 1. To give a name or title to. 2. To furnish with a right or claim to something: "Keep It Clean: An Insider's Guide to Lead-Safe Painting and Home Improvement," are included in the NPCA prototype, along with incorporating materials from the EPA's "Lead Pre-renovation Rule Information." This material helps build upon an existing voluntary effort. An electronic version of the document (PDF (Portable Document Format) The de facto standard for document publishing from Adobe. On the Web, there are countless brochures, data sheets, white papers and technical manuals in the PDF format. ) is available for downloading downloading - download on the NPCA website, www.paint.org (http://www.paint.org/ind_info/leadwarning.cfm) Labeling Effective December 31, 2003, the permanent labeling requirements set forth in the agreement apply to every container of consumer paints. There are four compliance distinctions. * All consumer paint packages that have no lead exposure warning or one that does not reference the EPA Hotline 1. (company) Hotline - Hotline Communications Ltd.. 2. (messaging) Hotline - Hotline Connect. and are manufactured after December 31, 2003 must begin labeling with the warning message. * All those packages manufactured starting December 31, 2004 that already contain a warning and referencing the EPA Hotline are required to adapt to the Consumer Paints Lead Exposure Surface Preparation Warning or an alternative warning statement, as prescribed pre·scribe v. pre·scribed, pre·scrib·ing, pre·scribes v.tr. 1. To set down as a rule or guide; enjoin. See Synonyms at dictate. 2. To order the use of (a medicine or other treatment). by the Agreement. * All non-aerosol containers of 16 oz or less or aerosol aerosol (âr`əsōl,–sŏl): see colloid. aerosol System of tiny liquid or solid particles evenly distributed in a finely divided state through a gas, usually air. containers of 24 oz and less manufactured after December 31, 2004 must have incorporated an abridged warning statement or the complete Consumer Paints Lead Exposure Surface Preparation Warning. * An Alternate Warning Statement Sticker Program is an option for paint manufacturers willing to sticker the full Consumer Paints Lead Exposure Surface Preparation Warning on the lid or plug by lithograph or pressure sensitive, self adhesive means on all consumer paints manufactured from September 30, 2003 through April 30, 2005. If using this warning method, the sticker must be placed on the lid or plug only and must appear there until at least April 30, 2005, and thereafter, until the actual product labels includes the required warning statement. Placement of the WARNINGS copy must be clear and conspicuous. It must be in close proximity to any surface preparation or product use instructions. Alternate Warning Statement Paint manufacturers are permitted to employ their own version of the required detailed warning. Any alternate warning label must: * Include the signal word, "WARNING!" * State the hazard, setting forth the potential for serious adverse health effects occurring from lead exposure, including brain damage, especially to children and pregnant women * Make precautionary statements In United States safety standards, precautionary statements are sentences providing information on potential hazards, and proper procedures. They are used in situations from consumer product on labels and manuals, to descriptions of physical activities. advising the use of NIOSH-approved respiratory protection and the need for proper clean-up such as HEPA HEPA abbr. 1. high-efficiency particulate air 2. high-efficiency particulate arresting vacuums, wet mopping, and so forth * Reference U.S. EPA resources, such as Hotline, website etc. * Appear as a "consistent" and "clear and conspicuous" warning. Abridged Warning Label Small container manufacturers have the additional option to use the short warning version on all small container paints manufactured after December 31, 2004, and also fall within these size requirements: * Non-aerosol containers of 16 oz. and less * Aerosol containers of 24 oz. and less Again, the placement of the WARNINGS! copy must be clear and conspicuous. It must be in close proximity to any surface preparation or product use instructions. The agreement has no other container size or type provision. Consumer paints sold in five gallon gallon: see English units of measurement. containers must be treated the same as single gallons or quarts and must meet sticker and label requirements. Education and Training Program September 30, 2003 through December 31, 2007--The NPCA will undertake a four-year national training program. The program is geared toward contractors and housing officials and aimed at increasing awareness of lead-based paint hazards during renovation and remodeling. Up to 150 training sessions annually are being planned to be able to reach the thousands of renovation and remodeling contractors in 50 different cities or regions. In addition, course attendees will be offered discount coupons on equipment used during lead-safe renovation or remodeling. Finally NPCA is developing a retailer online training and education module for use in expanding retail employee awareness of lead issues. The training program is a one-day session that is presented at no cost to attendees, by MasiMax Environmental Health and Safety Services, NPCA's contractor. The seminar, based on U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Environmental Protection Agency Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), independent agency of the U.S. government, with headquarters in Washington, D.C. It was established in 1970 to reduce and control air and water pollution, noise pollution, and radiation and to ensure the safe handling and curriculum, will identify state-specific requirements based on the seminars location. The goal is to teach the need for lead-safe work practices and strategies for implementing them. It will also give participants an idea of what lead-safe programs entail entail, in law, restriction of inheritance to a limited class of descendants for at least several generations. The object of entail is to preserve large estates in land from the disintegration that is caused by equal inheritance by all the heirs and by the ordinary and advise them when a job requires lead abatement A reduction, a decrease, or a diminution. The suspension or cessation, in whole or in part, of a continuing charge, such as rent. With respect to estates, an abatement is a proportional diminution or reduction of the monetary legacies, a disposition of property by will, when rather than lead-safe work practices. Course materials are supplied at no charge and the course content is arranged into five modules as follows:
Module 1: Why Should I Be
Concerned about Lead
Dust?
Module 2: Set-Up Your Work Space
to Contain Lead Dust
Module 3: Safe Work Practices
Module 4: Clean-Up and Check Your'
Work
Module 5: Planning the Job
Home or code inspection companies, contractors undertaking renovations, repainting, or remodeling work, maintenance workers, building supervisors, and landlords should consider attending the program. It will also be made available to professional associations, state and local municipal agencies, community and social organizations and do-it-yourself homeowners. At the end of the session, attendees may elect to take a test in order to receive a certificate of completion. Although not a state-authorized certificate, having the course certificate allows them to undertake federally funded projects. Training For comprehensive questions about the National Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair, and Painting Training Programs call 866.232.5419 or visit the website of NPCA's training contractor, MasiMax Environmental Health and Safety Services at www.leadsafetraining.org. Online registration is available. Annual Reporting Beginning October 31, 2004 and continuing through October 31, 2008, NPCA is required to issue an annual report on overall industry compliance and achievement of objectives under the agreement. During the course of the agreement, the State AGs will be monitoring compliance by all manufacturers with warning duties and obligations. Participants The NPCA will provide annual information reports to the State AGs on industry progress towards the agreement. With the exception of Colorado, Missouri Missouri, state, United States Missouri (mĭz  r`ē, –ə), one of the midwestern states of the United States. , Rhode Island Rhode Island, island, United StatesRhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. , Utah and Vermont who have not signed with the agreement, any required enforcement action will be undertaken by the State AG's office. Consumer Materials Obtaining point-of-sale literature from one of these venders helps support the cost of this warning and educational program. Fetter Printing Company Doug Amburgey 700 Locust locust, in botany locust, in botany, any species of the genus Robinia, deciduous trees or shrubs of the family Leguminosae (pulse family) native to the United States and Mexico. Lane P.O. Box 33128 Louisville, KY 40232-3128 800.234.4771 Born Printing Company Jan Keadle 1125-C DeSoto Road Baltimore, MD 21223 410.646.7768 Oak Printing Company Jim Helms, Brian Hannes 19540 Progress Drive Strongsville, OH 44149-3284 440.238.3316 Brady-Palmer Label Corporation Chris Morris 1791 Route 6 Carmel, NY 10512 800.783.3097 WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Figure 1 -- Sticker Program Warning, September 30, 2003 through April 30, 2005. WARNING! If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Figure 2 -- Consumer Paints Lead Exposure Surface Preparation Warning statement. WARNING! If you scrape, sand or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. Contact the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log on to www.epa.gov/lead. Figure 3 -- Short warning text. RELATED ARTICLE House Bill HR 3107 and Senate Bill 1228 address the expensive cost of lead-paint removal for homeowners. If passed, this bill will amend the Internal Revenue Code The Internal Revenue Code is the body of law that codifies all federal tax laws, including income, estate, gift, excise, alcohol, tobacco, and employment taxes. These laws constitute title 26 of the U.S. Code (26 U.S.C.A. § 1 et seq. of 1986 to provide a tax credit for property owners who remove lead-based paint hazards. As of September 17, 2003 the bill was referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means WAYS AND MEANS. In legislative assemblies there is usually appointed a committee whose duties are to inquire into, and propose to the house, the ways and means to be adopted to raise funds for the use of the government. This body is called the committee of ways and means. . |
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