Officials at the Region 7 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Lenexa are urging Kansans to work with a Lead-Safe Certified contractor during home renovations.

Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk.

If you live in a home or apartment that was built before 1978 and are planning a renovation or repair project, make sure you renovate right with a Lead-Safe Certified contractor in accordance with EPA guidelines.

Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to children and adults.

Increased awareness about lead-based paint hazards and lead-safe work practices for do-it-yourselfers will help reduce lead poisoning in children, pregnant women, other family members and workers.