A Denver painting company recently earned EPA Lead-Safe Certification, highlighting a federal rule that every homeowner planning renovations should understand. Harmony Painting's certification means the company follows strict safety practices when working on homes built before 1978 — the year lead paint was banned for residential use.
The EPA's Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule requires contractors to be certified when disturbing lead-based paint in older homes, childcare facilities, and schools. This rule exists because renovation activities like sanding, scraping, and demolition can release dangerous lead dust into the air and onto surfaces throughout your home.
For homeowners in Denver and across the country, this certification isn't just paperwork. It's a safeguard that can protect your family from serious health risks during what should be an exciting home improvement project.
Not sure if your home is affected? The DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit gives you certified, accredited-lab results in days — no inspector needed. Simple DIY sampling, mailed to a lab, clear results you can trust.
Shop the kit — $35What the EPA RRP Rule Requires
Under federal law, any contractor working on homes built before 1978 must be EPA-certified if the project disturbs more than six square feet of painted surfaces inside or 20 square feet outside. This applies to painters, general contractors, plumbers, electricians, and anyone else whose work might disturb old paint.
Certified contractors must follow specific work practices, including:
- Containing the work area with plastic sheeting
- Using HEPA vacuums and wet cleaning methods
- Properly disposing of lead-contaminated debris
- Keeping residents informed about lead hazards
Homeowners should always ask contractors for proof of EPA Lead-Safe Certification before signing any contract. The EPA maintains a searchable database of certified firms on its website.
Why Lead Paint Remains a Problem in 2026
Despite being banned nearly 50 years ago, lead paint still covers walls, trim, doors, and windows in millions of American homes. The CDC estimates that homes built before 1978 are the primary source of lead exposure for children in the United States.
Lead paint that's in good condition and covered by newer paint typically poses little risk. The danger comes when that paint is disturbed — by renovation work, normal wear and tear, or friction from opening and closing windows and doors.
Children are especially vulnerable because their growing bodies absorb lead more easily than adults. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect a child's brain development, leading to learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
Steps Homeowners Should Take Before Renovating
If your home was built before 1978 and you're planning any renovation project, take these steps to protect your family:
Test before you renovate. Don't assume your home has lead paint — and don't assume it doesn't. Testing gives you facts to work with. You can collect a small paint chip sample yourself and send it to an accredited lab for analysis.
Hire certified contractors. Ask to see the EPA certification card and verify it through the EPA's database. Never hire a contractor who dismisses lead safety concerns or suggests skipping proper containment.
Keep children and pregnant women away. During renovation work on pre-1978 homes, young children and pregnant women should stay elsewhere until the work is complete and the area has been properly cleaned.
Get it in writing. Your contract should specify that the contractor will follow EPA RRP Rule requirements and clean up according to federal standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has lead paint?
The only way to know for certain is to test. Homes built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint, but not all do. You can send a paint chip sample to an accredited laboratory for testing before starting any renovation project.
Can I do renovations myself in a home with lead paint?
Homeowners can legally work on their own homes without EPA certification, but the health risks remain the same. If you choose to do the work yourself, follow the same containment and cleanup practices that certified contractors use to protect your family.
What happens if my contractor isn't EPA certified?
Contractors who violate the RRP Rule can face fines up to $37,500 per day. More importantly, improper renovation practices can spread lead dust throughout your home, creating health hazards that persist long after the project ends.
Before starting your next home improvement project, consider testing suspect painted surfaces with MycoTest's DIY Lead Paint Chip Kit. You'll get certified lab results that tell you exactly what you're dealing with — so you can renovate with confidence and keep your family safe.
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Related reading
- Why EPA Lead-Safe Certification Matters for Your Home Renovation
- EPA Lead-Safe Certification: What Denver Homeowners Must Know
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. MycoTest DIY kits are screening tools. For confirmed contamination, consult a certified environmental professional.