The Ripple Effects of Lead Poisoning
In the News
Hashmi Surma Eye Makeup Contains Dangerous Amounts of Lead
Chicago — Attorney General Lisa Madigan today warned consumers of the dangerous amounts of lead contained in a type of black eyeliner used by many Middle Eastern and South Asian women and girls. Hashmi Surma Special, a brand of black eyeliner contains 710,000 parts per million lead. The type of eyeliner used in these regions is known as Suma, Kohl or Kajal, and is believed to be the source of lead poisoning in a young child in New York, according to the New York State Department of Health. Dangerous amounts of lead can lead to acute lead poisoning, and possibly death. Read more.Find an Accredited RRP Training Provider
Find an accredited Renovate, Repair, and Paint (RRP) training program near you.
EPA to Delay Enforcement of RRP Rule
Click here to read the EPA's memo regarding its decision to delay the enforcement of the new lead-paint regulation.
EPA News Release: EPA Rule Increases Protection from Lead-Paint Poisoning
Click here to read an article discussing EPA's new lead-paint rule.
International Coalition Launches Global Effort to Eliminate Lead Paint
The Global Alliance to Eliminate Lead in Paints, an international partnership of governments, businesses, and non-govermental organizations, met last week in Geneva, Switzerland to formulate plans for phasing-out lead-based paints sold outside the U.S. The Alliance is jointly coordinated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Health Organization (WHO), and was unanimously approved by UN member countries at the International Conference on Chemicals Management last May. The Alliance reached a consensus to define lead paint as 90 parts per million (ppm), which allows those who are working on the issue in developing countries a threshold in seeking legislation and regulation to ban lead paint. In addition, the Alliance seeks to create an international certification program to test and label paints that do not contain lead. For more information, click here.
Accredited US EPA Lead Renovation Repair and Painting (LRRP) Trainings in Illinois
The University of Illinois-Hazardous Materials Training Program is an US EPA accredited training provider offering the initial and refresher LRRP courses to renovators and painters. Classes are $259.00. Please call U of I to enroll in a class.
University of Illinois-Hazardous Materials Training Program
504 E Armory Ave
Champaign, Illinois 61820
217-333-0640
saydt@illinois.edu
In addition, U of I can provide training at your facility. Please call 217-333-0640 for pricing.
Please refer back to this website or contact U of I for additional training date and location information.
To search for other training providers in your area, please click here.
EPA Final RRP rule applies to all pre-1978 housing
On April 23, the EPA announced that the final Renovate, Repair, and Paint (RRP) rule applies to all pre-1978 housing, effectively revoking the opt-out provision that has been available since 2008. Specifically, the final rule eliminates the "opt-out" provision that exempted a renovation firm from certification requirements if the owner of the residence confirmed that neither a child under age 6 or a pregnant woman resided in the home, and that the home was not a child-occupied facility. For more information about the elimination of the "opt-out" provision and other changes, click here.
The EPA has also issued two notices of proposed rule making regarding additional lead-safe work practices related to dust-wipe testing and the application of lead-safe work practices to public buildings built before 1978 and commercial buildings. For more information, click here.
Effective April 2010: US EPA Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule
Beginning in April 2010, federal law will require 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. The requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities. For more information about the US EPA's RRP rule, click here. To find a certified renovator in your area, click here.
The Small Entity Compliance Guide is a handbook for contractors, property managers and maintenance personnel working in homes, child care facilities and schools built before 1978. To find accredited renovation training programs near you, click here.
Trial Manual for Lead Inspectors Available
The Trial Manual for Lead Inspectors is designed principally for lead inspectors and risk assessors who want to know what to expect if they are subpoenaed to appear as an expert witness at a deposition or in court. To download the manual, click here.
Lead Poisoning in Chicago: A Historical Perspective
The fight against lead poisoning of Chicago children dates back to the 1960s. In the following video early advocates describe their efforts and the challenges they faced.
The Illinois Department of Public Health estimates that more than 81,000 children are being harmed by lead, based on recent research regarding the impact of lead on children's development.
Lead poisoning in children can cause irreversible brain damage, and even at very low levels can lead to:
- Learning disabilities, such as speech and language disorders.
- Behavioral problems, such as aggression and hyperactivity.
- Delinquency and criminal behavior.
- Lead poisoning is entirely preventable
For more information about lead poisoning statistics, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Chicago Department of Public Health.