"EPA Aims to Widen Rules on Lead Paint in Older Homes"

"The Environmental Protection proposed expanding requirements on how contractors must deal with lead-based paint to more, older homes, part of a broader effort by the agency to tighten environmental protections for consumers.

Under a 2008 rule, contractors who work on homes built before 1978 must receive training on measures to reduce the potential exposure associated with lead-based paint if there are pregnant women or children under age six living in the home. That requirement takes effect in April 2010.

The EPA announced Thursday that it was proposing to expand the requirement to cover most homes built before 1978, regardless of who lives in them. The EPA will accept comment on the proposal for 30 days and said it expects to finalize changes by April 2010."

Judith Burns reports for the Wall Street Journal October 22, 2009.