EPA announced three actions:

• A final rule to apply lead-safe work practices (PDF) (18 pp, 212K) to all pre-1978 homes, effectively closing an exemption that was created in 2008. The rule will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

• A notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (37 pp, 250K) to require dust-wipe testing after most renovations and provide the results of the testing to the owners and occupants of the building. For some of these renovations, the proposal would require that lead dust levels after the renovation be below the regulatory hazard standards. EPA will take comment on the proposal for 60 days. The agency expects to finalize the rule by July 2011.

• An advance notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) (15 pp, 115K) to announce EPA's intention to apply lead-safe work practices to renovations on public and commercial buildings. The advance notice also announces EPA's investigation into lead-based paint hazards that may be created by renovations on the interior of these public and commercial buildings. If EPA determines that lead-based paint hazards are created by interior renovations, EPA will propose regulations to address the hazards.