Search Frequent Questions

Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 results

• What state or federal agencies are responsible for evaluating records from the PADOH cancer registry? Are all types of cancers considered in this evaluation [including rare and/or environmentally associated cancers]?

  A few important items to note regarding the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry:  PADOH’s Pennsylvania Cancer Registry is a statewide data system responsible for collecting information on all new cases of cancer diagnosed or treated in Pennsylvania. It is part of the National Program of Cancer Registries administered by the Centers for…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• Who is responsible for controlling dust and debris from renovation waste once the waste container or truck used to transport the waste leaves the renovation site?

  When a renovation firm transports waste from renovation activities, the firm must contain the waste to prevent release of dust and debris. The Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule does not address the responsibilities of other entities. EPA recommends consulting with state and local waste disposal authorities to learn…

  • Last published: November 20, 2024

• Is there a Pennsylvania registry that tracks non-cancer diseases or immunological disorders?

  PADOH and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services do not have a registry for multiple sclerosis (MS), MS-related diseases or immunologic disorders. Despite extensive research on the mechanisms of MS development and progress, the exact mechanism is not known and there are no definitive studies to show causation…

  • Last published: March 1, 2024

• For purposes of cleaning the work area following a renovation, is the interior floor of a garage considered interior or exterior space?

  In general, the interior floor of a garage is considered an interior space for purposes of post-renovation cleanup. EPA recognizes the fact that it may occasionally be impossible for firms to meet all of the cleaning and verification requirements under the Rule for garage floors such as those that are…

  • Last published: November 14, 2024

• If a renovator uses the required practices to remove containment and clean a work area, then performs successful cleaning verification, can the project then be done using uncertified workers and without work practices required by the RRP Rule?

  Yes, as long as the balance of the project can be completed without disturbing a painted surface. Question Number: 23002-18385 Find a printable PDF copy of all frequent questions pertaining to lead .

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• My firm is replacing windows on a pre-1978 home. The homeowner already scraped and repainted their house but did not follow lead-safe work practices, leaving paint chips scattered throughout the landscaping. How best should I proceed?

  A firm working on a property that is already contaminated with paint chips, dust, debris and residue must proceed by containing the work area for the renovation, and complying with all cleaning requirements under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for that work area. Paint chips, dust, debris…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Under the RRP Rule, do paint chips and debris need to be removed from protective sheeting even if such chips and debris can be effectively contained by the sheeting or the sealed container the sheeting is contained in for disposal?

  Yes. After the renovation has been completed, the firm must clean the work area until no dust, debris, or residue remains. The first cleaning step required by the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule is to collect all paint chips and debris and, without dispersing any of it, seal…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• When waste from renovations has been removed from the work area and placed in on-site storage, may the waste be stored in a covered waste container or must it all be bagged for disposal?

  Properly implemented, either option can meet the requirements of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule . At the conclusion of each work day and at the conclusion of the renovation, waste that has been collected from renovation activities must be stored under containment, in an enclosure, or behind…

  • Last published: November 20, 2024

• How do we know our drinking water has not been affected over the past 40+ years when the landfill was operating and after it closed since there were no regulations governing its operation or closure?

  The Norwood community is serviced by a public drinking water source. The public water supply must meet federal and state Safe Drinking Water Act Standards. Public water systems are required to share annual reports that describe what, if anything, is found in the water supply.

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• Why is it difficult to establish a link between cancers or other illnesses and environmental exposures?

  The complex nature of cancer makes it inherently challenging to identify, interpret, and address cancer clusters. Cancer is a term describing different diseases that share a similar characteristic: uncontrollable cell growth and division. As a group, cancers are very common. Cancers are the second leading cause of death in the…

  • Last published: November 26, 2024

• How do we know that we have not been exposed to contamination from the Landfill for the past 40+ years?

  EPA works closely with its partner, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in evaluating potential health exposures from waste sources. ATSDR has the ability to look at the cancer registry data to evaluate potential past exposures, while EPA’s role is to evaluate current and future exposure. ATSDR…

  • Last published: March 4, 2024

• Can Norwood residents be exposed to contamination if we grow and eat our own vegetables from gardens in our yards?

  To date, contamination has not been found on residential properties that would pose a risk. In addition, the concentrations of the contaminants found at the Norwood Site are often found in urban communities. Studies show that exposure to contaminants via vegetable gardens is negligible. With the exception of some root…

  • Last published: March 8, 2024

• Are components removed from the home to be cleaned up and reused subject to the waste handling requirements in the rule?

  Answer : While components to be reused rather than disposed of are not considered waste for the purposes of the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule , it is likely that, even if they do not contain lead-based paint, they are contaminated with dust or debris from the project…

  • Last published: October 31, 2024

• The Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule  requires HEPA vacuums to be used for cleaning up the dust created by renovations. What should I look for when purchasing a HEPA vacuum?

  According to the definition in 40 CFR 745.83 : " HEPA vacuum means a vacuum cleaner which has been designed with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter as the last filtration stage. A HEPA filter is a filter that is capable of capturing particulates of 0.3 microns with 99.97% efficiency…

  • Last published: November 19, 2024

• Under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, is composite sampling acceptable for clearance in lieu of cleaning verification?

  Yes. Under the RRP Rule , cleaning verification need not be performed if the contract between the renovation firm and the person contracting for the renovation or another Federal, State, Territorial, Tribal or local law or regulation requires: The renovation firm to perform dust clearance sampling at the conclusion of…

  • Last published: January 13, 2025