I can remember nights when my son was growing up. If he had seen something on TV, or was upset about something that happened, that night there would be a troll or some kind of monster under his bed, just waiting to spring out upon him. Little did we know, as young parents, that he wasn't far off the mark. That bed he was sleeping in was finished with a lead-based paint. We found that this Lead Base Monster was all over our so called "safe" home. The windows, doors, interior trim, walls, and exterior siding were all covered with lead based paints and other products. We were very lucky that he never got lead poisoning.

For this and other reasons, I, as a parent and a remodeling contractor, applaud the new regulations coming before my industry as of June 1st, 1999. As of this date, any renovations, improvements, and/or repairs may disturb items consisting of Lead Containing Materials. In order to assure that all who are concerned are informed, it is now required that you, the consumer/client, must receive an eight page pamphlet entitled "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home".

These requirements are pursuant to the Residential Lead-Base Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued the ruling on distribution of this pamphlet, and the need for properly trained and certified personnel to go into enforcement on the June 1st date.

Lead has been around since the beginning of time. It's used in construction, and its use in building materials can be traced back to around 3,000 BC. Lead was also used extensively by the Roman Empire to line miles of aqueducts. The next major use of lead was about 1700 AD, around the early start of the industrial revolution. Lead mining was increased when the discovery of the precious metal, silver, was an "impurity" of lead. As with asbestos, "the miracle rock", lead was considered a "miracle element".

Today, lead laced products are everywhere: From car batteries, to paints and coatings, to glazings used for fine dishes and china. However, it is best known in the paint chips and dust that are ingested by our young kids, causing illness, coma, and sometimes even death.

There is no way you can be completely clear or free of lead products, even if you live in a modern, freshly built home. Lead can enter your home on friends' shoes, from builders' or contractors' previous projects, on his/her drop cloths, tools, etc. This is why it's important that no matter what age your home is, pre-1978 or newer, you need to rely on those contractors that are trained and certified in Lead Safe Practices. Ask to see their Certification when you ask for their license and certificate of insurance. If they do not have one, you, as the consumer, will have to decide at what risk you want to put your family in.

After June 1st, 1999, you will notice throughout the neighborhood that things may be done a little differently. Crews will be wearing respirators and sometimes be suited up like something out of a Michael Crichton film. Don't let this intimidate you. Lead is a heavy metal. If treated properly, with the proper precautions, even if work is being done next door to you, the proper steps and safe practices by these Lead Certified personnel will keep your family safe. Feel free to ask questions of these contractors. Request a pamphlet from them if you wish. It is our intention as Lead Certified contractors to keep as much open communication with our clients, their neighbors, and the neighborhood as open as possible. After all, you may be our next client...

We know our society will never become lead free. However, with proper knowledge, practices, and precautions, there is no reason why we cannot become lead safe.

For further information, contact your local Health Department, Regional Office of the EPA, or you can reach me. Contact my office at (414) 546-0814, fax me at (414) 546-3240, or check out our web page at http://www.aroundyourhouse.net. The proper information is your best weapon against anything, including that monster lurking under the bed.