Lead-Based Paint Regulations Webinar Available to the Public on October 27

(JACKSON, Miss.) – The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) will be a presenter in a free webinar offered to the public at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 27, entitled “What to Know About Lead-Based Paint Regulations.” The webinar will be held via Zoom with registration information available here. It is a joint partnership hosted by MDEQ, the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, and the Mississippi Home Corporation.

The webinar will include information about the basics of lead-based paint regulations, compliance, and other important healthy housing information. It is especially useful for those engaged in housing repairs, property management and real estate, housing counseling, and related activities.

Presenters will share information and answer questions about contractor credentialing and lead-based paint disclosure requirements for real estate transactions and additional healthy housing information for homebuyers. Speakers include Catherine Lee from the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, Dennis Kelly from MDEQ, and Julie Brooks from the Mississippi Home Corporation.

The webinar will be held during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week which will be recognized from October 24 to 30. National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is an annual event that brings together individuals, organizations, industry, and tribal, state, and local governments to raise awareness of lead poisoning prevention and to reduce childhood exposure to lead.

MDEQ administers the state’s Lead-Based Paint Program which includes conducting outreach activities throughout the year, providing guidance, and answering inquiries regarding abatement and renovation projects. The Program also certifies firms and individuals to be properly trained to conduct lead-based paint activities including lead abatement and renovations in residences built before 1978. A list of firms and individuals certified to conduct lead-based paint activities can be found here.

Since 1978, paint with lead has been banned in the U.S. for domestic use; however, lead-based paint may still be found in older properties painted prior to the introduction of such regulations. Lead is toxic to many body organs and tissues including the heart, bones, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. It interferes with the development of the nervous system, is particularly toxic to children, and can cause permanent learning and behavior disorders.

MDEQ’s Air Division administers the Lead-based Paint Program for Mississippi and works with other state and federal agencies, local governments, and private sector organizations to increase awareness and reduce the risk of lead poisoning throughout the state.

###