CDI becomes a LEAD-SAFE Certified Firm!
With our commitment to constantly improve the services we provide our customers and to remain as one of Long Island’s Leading Contractors, becoming an EPA LEAD-SAFE Certified Firm was merely the next logical progression in our evolution. Our Certification number appears below the logo.
The Safety of Our Customers are Paramount.
CDI is proud to be among the modest but ever growing number of Contracting Firms committed not only to providing great service, but doing so while protecting its customers and families from exposure to lead through LEAD-SAFE Practices.
What does a LEAD-SAFE Certified Firm Mean?
EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA (or an EPA authorized state), use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.
In 2010, the EPA made it mandatory for contractors of all types, e.g. electricians, plumbers, painters, remodelers, etc. to become LEAD RRP Certified.
In May of 2010, Dan Rummo, President of CDI, underwent the extensive 8 hour training course on RRP Rule for lead-safe practices. Among the topics covered were, what lead based paint is, how to detect it, where it’s usually found and hands on training of how to deal with it in a Lead-Safe manner or “Lead-Safe Practices.” The class also focused on the health effects of lead paint exposure. The course certifies the person as a Lead-Safe Renovator for a period of 5 years. Every 5 years thereafter they are required to take a 4 hour “Refresher Course,” to maintain this certification and learn about any new practices, methods and or rule changes…continuing education if you will, to ensure the Lead-Safe Renovator has the latest information available. Dan took this refresher course in May of 2015 and is now certified until May of 2020. Not only does the individual have to recertify every 5 years, but the Firm has to as well. CDI is certified through August 15, 2021.
Who is at risk?
Although we are all at risk, children six and under, pregnant women and infants of breastfeeding mothers tend to be the most worrisome.
What are the Health Effects of Lead?
Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead.
Children
Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:
- Behavior and learning problems
- Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing Problems
- Anemia
In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma and even death.
Pregnant Women
Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy, lead is released from bones as maternal calcium and is used to help form the bones of the fetus. This is particularly true if a woman does not have enough dietary calcium. Lead can also cross the placental barrier exposing the fetus the lead. This can result in serious effects to the mother and her developing fetus, including:
- Reduced growth of the fetus
- Premature birth
Find out more about lead’s effects on pregnancy:
- March of Dimes Healthy Pregnancy Exit
- Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
Lead can also be transmitted through breast milk. Read more on lead exposure in pregnancy and lactating women (PDF) (302 pp, 4.2 MB, About PDF).
Other Adults
Lead is also harmful to other adults. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from:
- Cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension
- Decreased kidney function
- Reproductive problems (in both men and women)
Much of this information is provided via the EPA’s website. For additional information visit EPA.gov/lead