Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched the Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit to prevent lead exposure when performing and promoting renovation, repair and painting (RRP) projects on homes built before 1978. The kit contains important information and messaging that can be used on social media and other sharing platforms.
Although lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, many homes built before 1978 still contain lead-based paint, which can be disturbed during RRP projects. EPA recommends owners of pre-1978 homes hire lead-safe certified contractors trained in lead-safe work practices for home renovations.
As expressed in EPA’s Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities, the Agency is using various methods—including the development of new and improved outreach materials—to reduce lead exposure and educate communities on the risks of lead exposure. The Media Kit raises awareness about the importance of hiring lead-safe certified contractors, or if performing do-it-yourself (DIY) renovations, taking simple steps to keep you and others safe.
Social media provides an opportunity to both encourage hiring lead-safe certified contractors and provide DIYers with tools to stay safe from potential lead exposure while they renovate. Those performing and promoting RRP projects can help keep families safe by sharing the resources provided in the Media Kit with their followers, viewers and others.
The Media Kit includes the following resources:
- Introductory Text: A brief overview that can be shared with any audience of the health risks of lead exposure and ways to stay lead-safe while renovating.
- Renovate Lead-Safe Fact Sheet: An infographic summarizing the risks of lead exposure during RRP projects on pre-1978 homes and steps for DIY lead-safe work practices.
- Sample Public Service Announcements: 15-, 30- and 60-second announcement scripts about hiring lead-safe certified contractors and using DIY lead-safe work practices.
- FAQs for DIYers: Answers to common questions about lead-safe work practices for those who choose to perform renovations themselves.
- Video Creation Ideas: Suggested ways to educate others and promote the availability of lead-safe certified contractors and DIY lead-safe work practices.
- Sample Social Media Posts: Shareable social media posts promoting the availability of lead-safe certified contractors and DIY lead-safe work practices.
- Lead-Safe Shopping List: A list of equipment DIYers can use to stay safe while performing renovation work on pre-1978 homes.
Access the Renovate Lead-Safe Media Kit.
Original source can be found here.
