ReNews -- Remodelors Council News - 11/21/2007  (Plain Text Version)

Mike Nagel, CGR, CAPS
NAHB Remodelers Chair
Chicago

View Graphical Version | Subscribe to NAHB Publications | Email our Editor...
NAHB Home Page| Browse other NAHB e-publications |Search back issues

In this issue:
Rock and Roll at the Remodeling Show
Asdal, Hanbury, Peterson, Local Councils Honored by NAHB Remodelers
Few Boomers, Communities Prepared for Aging
Lead-Safe Remodeling Reduces Risks, NAHB Tells Congress
Visit the Remodeling Industry Channel
Call for Remodeling Entries: NAHB Green Building Awards
Spring Board Travel Scholarship: Bryan Patchan Award
Save the Dates and Register for the International Builders' Show
NAHB to Launch National Green Building Program at IBS
PATH Releases Top 10 Energy-Efficient Remodeling Projects
Builder Achievement Award Nomination Deadline Extended to Dec. 3
Fred Case Remodeling Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Register for Free Sales & Marketing Audio Seminar
Cruise into the Holidays with GM's $500 Offer for NAHB Members
Protect Your Profits Through ‘Defensive’ Estimating
Having Trouble Receiving this E-Newsletter?


Lead-Safe Remodeling Reduces Risks, NAHB Tells Congress

 

 

 Mike Nagel

Appearing Oct. 18 before the Senate Public Works and Environment Committee, Mike Nagel, NAHB Remodelers 2007 chairman, cautioned Congress against imposing inappropriate and costly lead-safe regulatory burdens on professional remodelers that would make it cost-prohibitive for consumers to hire trained professionals or that could lead to further proliferation of potentially harmful do-it-yourself projects.

Instead, Nagel told Senate leaders, Congress should work with the relevant federal agencies to coordinate efforts, to fully fund important lead-safe training programs and to effectively use the combined resources in a way that maximizes outcomes.

Nagel told Senate leaders that professional remodeling, renovation and repair work, performed by knowledgeable, trained contractors, can serve as an agent against spreading lead hazards in older homes.

“Despite decades of effort, lead poisoning remains an important problem facing young children living in older homes and housing units,” Nagel said. “NAHB Remodelers has responded to this challenge by implementing extensive training and public awareness programs and has worked cooperatively with the EPA and other advocacy groups to promote voluntary programs for lead-safe work practices.”

Last year, NAHB Remodelers and an environmental consulting company tested the effects of typical remodeling practices in homes where lead paint was present. The testing confirmed  that lead-safe remodeling and renovation improves lead levels in older homes, and that new hazards are not created when typical remodeling and renovation is done by trained professionals.

NAHB continues to invest significant resources in research about the benefits of lead-safe work practices and looks forward to working with Congress to expand on efforts like these in the future, Nagel said.


For more information or to contact us directly, please visit www.NAHB.org | ©2005, National Association of Home Builders