National Center for Healthy Housing

EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule

The  EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule is the most important Federal lead regulation since the HUD Lead-Safe Housing Rule a decade ago.  It has the potential to ensure the widespread use of lead-safe work practices in homes and child-occupied facilities and may be extended to public and commercial buildings in the future.  By EPA's estimates, 235,000 individuals and 210,000 firms must be certified when the rule goes into effect in April 22, 2010.  EPA has proposed rule would add 100,000 to each of those totals that would go into effect on April 22, 2010. Read more>

Is the dust and debris from gypsum wall board dangerous to my health?

It depends on what is in the dust and how much of it one is exposed to. Gypsum board may contain mold, fiberglass, and other substances that if inhaled in sufficient quantities can cause respiratory irritation and other health problems. Even if none of these substances are present, gypsum board contains silica that can cause serious lung problems if inhaled.