NATCHEZ — Even stronger precautions are being taken to protect people against exposure to lead-based paint.

New Environmental Protection Agency standards require that all contractors performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and must follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Dick Thompson, owner of Live Oaks Landscapes and Construction in Natchez recently completed training offered through the Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors to become an EPA certified renovator based on the EPA renovations, repair and painting rules and Housing and Urban Development lead safe housing rules.

Thompson said the training teaches new, acceptable way to remove, collect and contain paint that could be lead-based.

Structures built before 1978 were likely painted using the hazardous paint. The paint has been linked to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, birth defects, nerve disorders, muscle and joint pain, among other health issues, according to the EPA.

Thompson said children, pregnant women and the elderly are more vulnerable to lead poisoning caused by exposure to lead paint, but no one is safe.

“Lead paint on exterior walls doesn’t bother anyone until you start to remove it,” Thompson said. “When you try to remove it with grinders, (water) blasting or with blow torches, that is when you have to be careful.”

The new EPA certification suggestions began in April 2010 and will be required beginning in January 2011.

Thompson said not becoming certified carries a hefty fine. A first offense has a fine of up to $32,500. If the violation is considered flagrant, Thompson said, the fine could be as much as $65,000. A second violation could be punishable by up to five years in prison.

The seminar Thompson attended included more than eight hours of instruction and hands-on learning.

“It was in-depth, accelerated training and instruction where you actually get in the protection suit with the respirators and eye protection,” Thompson said. “You learn to set up protection for the work area, and learn about lessening the probability of contamination by controlling waste.”

The EPA requires the training to address three areas, containing the work area, minimizing dust and through clean up.

The EPA requires that a representative from each construction, painting or renovation contractor be certified and then teach other employees the proper techniques.

“The training I received was intense,” Thompson said. “It was specific and targeted. There is a tremendous responsibility when dealing with lead paint.”

After completing the instruction portion of the training, a 50-question certification test is given. Anyone who fails the test, must complete the training again.

After passing the test, a farmable license and a plastic wallet-sized card are received that indicate a company is in compliance with the EPA standards.

Removal of lead paint is needed when a painted surface begins to flake or peel, Thompson said. A smooth surface is needed before safe paint can be applied.

“This is going to have a major impact on the construction industry,” Thompson said. “It is going to increase the time and cost of projects that have to deal with lead paint.”