EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm

Diversified Energy is proud to be an Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] Lead-Safe Certified Firm. In the Gulf South, we have a huge stock of homes built before 1978, and many of these homes are going through current, or planned future renovations.

The EPA requires individuals and firms who perform abatement projects in pre-1978 target housing and child-occupied facilities to be certified and follow specific work practices.

Diversified Energy is a Lead-Safe Certified Firm

What Is The EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule?

EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule [RRP Rule] require that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA [or an EPA authorized state], use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.

Which Renovation Activities Are Covered By The Rule?

In general, any activity that disturbs paint in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities is covered, including:

Remodeling and repair/maintenance

Electrical work

Plumbing

Painting preparation

Carpentry

Window replacement

Who Needs To Be Certified Under The RRP Rule?

EPA’s renovation, repair, and painting rules require both firms and people to be certified.

EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule [RRP Rule] require that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child care facilities and pre-schools built before 1978 have their firm certified by EPA [or an EPA authorized state], use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers and follow lead-safe work practices.

Who is at Risk?

Children

Lead is particularly dangerous to children because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Babies and young children can also be more highly exposed to lead because they often put their hands and other objects that can have lead from dust or soil on them into their mouths. Children may also be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead, inhaling lead dust from lead-based paint or lead-contaminated soil, or playing with toys with lead paint.

Adults, Including Pregnant Women

Adults may be exposed to lead by eating and drinking food or water containing lead or from dishes or glasses that contain lead. They may also breathe lead dust by spending time in areas where lead-based paint is deteriorating, and during renovation or repair work that disturbs painted surfaces in older homes and buildings. Working in a job or engaging in hobbies where lead is used, such as making stained glass, can increase exposure as can certain folk remedies containing lead. A pregnant woman’s exposure to lead from these sources is of particular concern because it can result in exposure to her developing baby.

What are the Health Effects of Lead?

Lead can affect almost every organ and system in your body. Children six years old and younger are most susceptible to the effects of lead

Children

Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:

Behavior and learning problems

Lower IQ

Hyperactivity

Slowed growth

Hearing Problems

Anemia

In rare cases, ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma, and even death

Pregnant Women

Lead can accumulate in our bodies over time, where it is stored in bones along with calcium. During pregnancy, lead is released from the mother’s bones along with calcium and can pass from the mother exposing the fetus or the breastfeeding infant to lead. This can result in serious effects on the developing fetus and infant, including:

Cause the baby to be born too early or too small;

Hurt the baby’s brain, kidneys, and nervous system;

Increase the likelihood of learning or behavioral problems; and

Put the mother at risk for miscarriage

Other Adults

Lead is also harmful to other adults. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from:

Cardiovascular effects increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension

Decreased kidney function

Reproductive problems [in both men and women]

Why Should You Hire A Certified Firm?

Common renovation, repair, and painting activities that disturb lead-based paint [like sanding, cutting, replacing windows, and more] can create hazardous lead dust and chips which can be harmful to adults and children. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk. For more information, read the EPA’s guide that describes why you should hire a lead-safe renovator.

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Joel HenschenJoel Henschen
22:57 13 Mar 23
We had a great experience working with Diversified Energy. They were always willing to communicate and take care of any issue that popped up. One... of the best and most honest contractors I have dealt with. I will definitely use them again in the future. Thank you!read more
Dolores FryouxDolores Fryoux
21:37 28 Oct 22
Niki and Damon did a great job today!! They really answered All my questions and concerns. I am very happy with the whole process and highly... recommend this company.read more
Avis JamesAvis James
18:27 13 Oct 22
Nikki and her crew sealed in the attic, around doors and around plumbing pipes. Then they returned to add insulation. Very professional. Great job.
Rebecca WhitakerRebecca Whitaker
00:08 25 Sep 22
Blake came out and did an energy audit of my place of residence. He was very gracious and professional. He respected my request for him to remove his... shoes and was patient enough to answer my questions. Thank you, Blake!read more
Darrin ClarkDarrin Clark
18:10 27 Jul 22
Niki crew came and explained the job details and performed very professional and in a timely manner and I was satisfied with the whole process and... would recommend to anyone that is in need of the services they provideread more
Dave ODave O
15:55 16 Oct 21
First off these are some friendly and professional people! They came in to our home and had nothing but respect and explained things in a way that... was more family/friend based than technical. BIG shout out to Mike and Ryan for the amazing help and work! They tested the house and did all the checks as well as made sure we had stuff in place. They hooked us up with a great light package that should help our energy use as well as lighting needs. Everything is top notch and amazing customer service!read more
Summer CarterSummer Carter
20:31 18 Mar 19
I had such a great experience with Jack, Shamone, and Chad! They were extremely friendly and very professional! Jack explained what would take place... the morning of my appointment and answered all of my questions! They were all very understanding of my very noisy three year old as well! Thank you again you guys for such a pleasurable experience!read more
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