Registration is now open for Cayuga County residents to take an EPA Lead Safe Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) certification course.
Through its Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program, the Cayuga County Health Department is offering the course and exam to all participants to become certified in the Environmental Protection Agency’s approved practices to remediate and address lead hazards to create lead-safe environments.
Under federal law, landlords or workers performing RRP projects that disrupt lead-based paint must be certified. Those who don’t comply with the RRP program requirements can be fined as much as $37,500 per day per violation.
Speaking with Finger Lakes News Radio, Deborah Pickering, Director of Health Education and Public Information, said that, due to the age of a large portion of the county’s housing stock, many homes could contain lead paint, meaning it’s vital that work is done properly to prevent children becoming exposed to lead.
“We know how important it is to have homes that are lead-free or lead-safe so that children are not being exposed or poisoned by lead.”
According to the health department, 3/4 of homes in the county were built before 1978 when lead paint was banned by the federal government due to its danger to children.
While primarily focused on landlords, property managers, and contractors, Pickering added that the health department doesn’t exclude potential registrants.
Registration for the free course is open now through September 6; however, Pickering recommends signing up as soon as possible as space is limited. To register, call 315-253-1560.
The course will run from 8:00a-4:00p on September 13 in the City of Auburn.
The health department also offers no-cost home lead risk assessments to eligible residents. To learn more, call the department at 315-253-1560.
