IF YOU'RE NOT LEAD-SAFE CERTIFIED, LEAD PAINT COULD COST YOU BIG TIME.

Most people think that the issue of lead paint poisoning went away with disco and 8-tracks. Truth is, any home, apartment, school or building built before 1978 may contain dangerous lead paint, and disturbing it poses serious health risks to you, your workers and your customers, especially children.

That's why new EPA regulation mandates that all renovation and repair contractors who disrupt more than six square feet of lead paint, replace windows or do any demolition, are required to become Lead-Safe Certified by April 22, 2010. If not, you could face tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Plus, you put the health of yourself, your workers and your customers at risk, which could result in lawsuits.

This certification is good for five years, and becoming Lead-Safe Certified is easy and can give your business a competitive advantage. Whether you're a Small Contractor, Large Contractor or Property Manager, to learn more about the risks of lead paint, the requirements for becoming certified, and where you can find a trainer, click here.

If you are a consumer, protect your family and make sure you only hire a contractor who is in a Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Click here to find a Certified Firm near you.

If you are a lead paint abatement contractor and want to do renovations, you still have requirements to follow with this new regulation. You are not officially certified unless you take a RRP accredited course, which have only been offered since early 2009. To learn about the new renovation program, click here.