EPA Lead-Safe Certification: What Denver Homeowners Must Know

By the MycoTest News Desk · Reviewed for accuracy by MycoTest's environmental testing specialists

A Denver painting company recently earned EPA Lead-Safe Certification for renovation work, highlighting an important protection that many homeowners overlook. Harmony Painting announced its certification this week, joining a network of contractors trained to safely handle lead paint in older homes.

For homeowners living in houses built before 1978, this news serves as a timely reminder. Lead-based paint was banned for residential use that year, but millions of American homes still contain it. When this paint is disturbed during renovation, repainting, or repair work, it can release dangerous lead dust into your living space.

The EPA requires contractors who work on pre-1978 homes to follow specific lead-safe work practices. This rule, known as the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, exists because lead exposure poses serious health risks—especially for children under six and pregnant women.

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Why EPA Lead-Safe Certification Matters

When a contractor holds EPA Lead-Safe Certification, it means they have completed training on how to minimize lead dust during projects. They know how to set up proper containment areas, use specialized cleaning methods, and dispose of debris safely.

Homeowners should always ask contractors for proof of this certification before hiring them for any work that might disturb painted surfaces in a pre-1978 home. This includes window replacement, door work, exterior painting, kitchen remodels, and even minor repairs that involve sanding or scraping.

Uncertified work can spread lead dust throughout your home. This dust settles on floors, furniture, toys, and other surfaces where family members—especially crawling babies and young children—can come into contact with it.

How to Know If Your Home Has Lead Paint

The age of your home is the first clue. If it was built before 1978, there is a strong chance it contains lead-based paint somewhere. The older the home, the higher the likelihood. Homes built before 1950 are particularly likely to have lead paint on both interior and exterior surfaces.

However, you cannot tell if paint contains lead just by looking at it. Lead paint does not have a distinct color or texture. The only way to know for certain is to test the paint itself.

Many homeowners assume that if their walls have been repainted, the lead paint is no longer a concern. This is not true. New paint layers cover old lead paint but do not remove the hazard. When that surface is later scraped, sanded, or disturbed during renovation, the lead paint underneath becomes exposed.

What Homeowners Should Do Before Renovating

If you plan any renovation, repair, or painting project in a pre-1978 home, take these steps:

Test painted surfaces first. Know what you are dealing with before work begins.
Hire only EPA-certified contractors. Ask to see their certification card or check the EPA website.
Get the required paperwork. Certified contractors must give you an EPA pamphlet called "Renovate Right" before starting work.
Keep family members away during work. Do not let children or pregnant women near active renovation areas.
Clean thoroughly after work ends. Wet-wipe all surfaces and wash any items that may have collected dust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I test for lead paint before renovating my home?

You can collect a small paint chip sample from the surface you plan to renovate and send it to an accredited laboratory for analysis. DIY paint chip test kits make this process simple—you receive clear results showing whether lead is present and at what level.

Are all pre-1978 homes required to be tested for lead before renovation?

The EPA does not require testing before renovation, but it strongly recommends it. Certified contractors must assume lead is present in pre-1978 homes unless testing proves otherwise. Testing gives you certainty and helps you make informed decisions about your project.

What happens if a contractor disturbs lead paint without proper precautions?

Improper work can spread lead dust throughout your home, creating a health hazard for your family. Contractors who violate the EPA's RRP Rule can face fines up to $37,500 per day. More importantly, cleanup after improper work is expensive and may require professional remediation.

Before you begin any renovation project on an older home, consider testing your painted surfaces with a MycoTest DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit. You will receive certified laboratory results showing exactly what is in your paint—giving you the information you need to protect your family and plan your project safely.