"Lead Paint Rules Require Contractor Certification"

"New rules for lead paint removal go into effect April 22, adding a bit more time and cost to some home renovations.

The Environmental Protection Agency will require all contractors be certified to take out lead paint. Previously, no certification was required and homeowners could ''opt-out'' of lead-safe practices if no children under six years old or pregnant women lived in the house.

The EPA estimates the new rules will add an hour to project clean-up and add just under $100 per job for most renovations. The agency estimates about 38 million homes and apartment units, or 40 percent of the housing stock, contain lead paint."

The Associated Press had the story January 22, 2010.