Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 102 results

• Can I apply a product using a method that is not specified in the directions for use?

  List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Any time you use an EPA-registered disinfectant, you should read the product label and follow the directions, including the method of application…

  • Last published: April 10, 2024

• CFAT Impacts on EPCRA and RMP

  The Department of Homeland Security’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) impose comprehensive federal security regulations for high-risk chemical facilities. Do the CFATS alter the requirements that apply to a facility covered under both CFATS and either the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) or the Clean Air Act section…

  • Last published: April 9, 2024

• EPCRA Reporting Mechanisms for Protecting Sensitive Business Information

  Does EPCRA provide any mechanisms for facilities that must submit Tier II inventory information to protect sensitive business information? Trade secret and confidential location information (CLI) are two separate confidentiality provisions under EPCRA. Trade secret claims made under EPCRA Sections 303, 311, 312, or 313 allow facilities to claim the…

  • Last published: April 9, 2024

• Will an Ozone Generator protect me and my family from COVID-19?

  No, do not use ozone generators in occupied spaces. When used at concentrations that do not exceed public health standards, ozone applied to indoor air does not effectively remove viruses, bacteria, mold, or other biological pollutants. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website for best practices to protect…

  • Last published: August 27, 2024

• Where can I get more information or copies of the lead-based paint abatement application forms and instructions?

  Answer: Information regarding certification under EPA’s lead-based paint abatement program is available at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-based-paint-abatement-and-evaluation-program-overview . Question Number: 23002-32438 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• When must I take refresher training?

  You must take refresher training before you apply for recertification to EPA. You should begin looking for available courses well before your current certification expires, because refresher courses may not be available in your area on a frequent basis. However, EPA recommends that you take your refresher training no earlier…

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• When do persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, or supervisors apply to EPA, before or after taking the 3rd party exam?

  Answer: Persons applying for certification as inspectors, risk assessors, and/or supervisors must apply to EPA before taking the 3rd party certification exam. For more information about applying for certification as a lead-based paint abatement professional please refer to EPA’s Lead-based Paint Professionals page . Question Number: 23002-33448 Find a printable…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• When individuals apply for certification in the Federal program under 40 C.F.R. 745.226(a)(1)(i), how long will the certification last?

  Answer : For individuals who have taken courses which included a course test and a hands-on skills assessment, the full certification period for individuals applying under 745.226(a)(1)(i) will run for three years from the date of issuance of certification by EPA. For individuals who have taken courses which included a…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• The definition of “soil sample” at 40 CFR §745.63 relies on certain American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards. Did EPA intend to prevent the use of EPA and HUD standards for soil samples?

  Answer: No. In establishing work practice standards for lead-based paint activities, EPA did not intend to prevent the use of EPA/HUD standards. As a general matter, the requirements are not prescriptive but instead state that certain activities be conducted using appropriate documented methodologies. For example, §745.227(c)(3) requires that dust samples…

  • Last published: November 5, 2024

• Do disinfectants kill newer variants of coronavirus?

  List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 View List N, a searchable and sortable list of products for use against SARS-CoV-2, the novel human coronavirus that causes COVID-19. Yes, EPA expects all products on List N to kill all variants of SARS-CoV-2. Genetic changes to the virus do not impact…

  • Last published: April 10, 2024

• Are landfills covered under Title III of SARA since they are covered by RCRA?

  Yes, landfills are subject to certain Title III requirements. Subtitle A of Title III is intended to identify facilities which present a potential hazard for a chemical emergency and to provide a process for local emergency planning committees to engage with such facilities in determining the significance of the release…

  • Last published: April 12, 2024

• Can air cleaning devices that use bipolar ionization, including portable air cleaners and in-duct air cleaners used in HVAC systems, protect me from COVID-19?

  Bipolar ionization (also called needlepoint bipolar ionization) is a technology that can be used in HVAC systems or portable air cleaners to generate positively and negatively charged particles. Provided manufacturers have data to demonstrate efficacy, manufacturers of these types of devices may market this technology to help remove viruses, including…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Will running an evaporative cooler (sometimes known as a "swamp cooler") or whole-house fan help protect me and my family from COVID-19?

  Both evaporative coolers (or "swamp coolers") and whole-house fans can help protect people indoors from airborne transmission of COVID-19 because they increase ventilation with outside air to cool indoor spaces. Evaporative coolers are used in dry climates. They use water to provide cooling and increase relative humidity indoors. When operating…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Where can professionals who manage school, office, and commercial buildings get information on ventilation and filtration to respond to COVID-19?

  Professionals who operate school, office, and commercial buildings should consult the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) guidance for information on ventilation and filtration to help reduce risks from the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, increasing ventilation and filtration is usually appropriate; however, due to the…

  • Last published: May 6, 2024

• Are mobile boosters eligible for the transportation exemption?

  An oil company owns many wells on an oil field. Each well is on its own plot of land. These plots are not adjacent or contiguous and, therefore, each well is its own facility. When operating these wells, it is sometimes necessary to inject air or gas into the well…

  • Last published: May 8, 2024