--- title: Boston Globe Handyman discovers new EPA RRP lead law the hard way description: In a June 3 2010 Boston Globe article by long time Handyman on Call Peter Hotton Mr Hotton graciously admitted he was not aware of the new EPA RRP image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16114638-jpg/images/peter_hotton-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [Boston Globe Handyman discovers new EPA RRP lead law the hard way](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/41206/Boston-Globe-Handyman-discovers-new-EPA-RRP-lead-law-the-hard-way) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Thu, Jun 03, 2010 @ 12:55 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![Peter Hotton](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16114638-jpg/images/peter_hotton-wr.jpg)In a June 3, 2010 [Boston Globe article](http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/06/03/handyman_on_call_will_asbestos_covered_by_vinyl_siding_hinder_a_future_sale/)by long time "Handyman on Call" Peter Hotton, Mr. Hotton graciously admitted he was not aware of the new EPA RRP rule when he had advised a homeowner regarding sanding of the exterior of his pre 1978 home before painting.  Fortunately for Mr. Hotton and his readers, Rick Cutler, production manager/project developer of [Out of the Woods Construction & Cabinetry Inc.](http://www.outofthewoodsconstruction.com/)of Arlington took the time to inform Mr. Hotton about the law. Hotton reports that in his message, Cutler suggested to Hutton:  "... if you haven't read up on the new EPA RRP rule about lead and the updated dust containment procedures, please do before you give anymore inaccurate advice." In his response to Cutler's message, Mr. Hotton wrote the following: "That the handyman will do, with thanks to Rick Cutler, and I notice the regulations apply not only to renovation contractors and other professionals, but to homeowners as well." ![DIY Homeowner](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15745945-jpg/images/diy_painter-wr.jpg?width=146&height=134&name=diy_painter-wr.jpg)   Sorry Peter, I think you have it wrong again, or maybe need to clarify your message regarding the new EPA RRP Lead Paint Rule.  The EPA is clear that homeowners doing their own work are not required to follow the rule, only those who do it for compensation are subject to the rule.  I definitely am of the opinion this is not very wise, but, under the law, homeowners do have the right to create lead dust at their own homes in the course of renovating.  EPA suggests they use lead safe practices, but does not require they do so. Therefore, they can poison themselves, their own children and even their neighbors in the course of doing so.  ![Lead poisoning](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15752938-jpg/images/effects_of_lead_poisoning-wr.jpg)Statistics have shown, including EPA's own research, that more children are poisoned by lead due to renovations as a result of their parents doing the work than by professional remodelers.  I hope this clarification will help homeowners seek to better understand the risks related to lead paint and how they choose to have work done at their homes, whether doing it themselves or hiring the work out.  [I posted a comment to Mr. Hotton](http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/house/articles/2010/06/03/handyman_on_call_will_asbestos_covered_by_vinyl_siding_hinder_a_future_sale/?comments=all#readerComm)on the Boston Globe's web site as well, to share the above information and my opinion about home owners doing their own work.  It is also my opinion that, unfortunately, Mr. Hotton has become just one more unfortunate example of someone who was unaware and then misinformed about the new RRP rule.  I suggest this is not his fault; he can't know everything and to his credit does provide an open forum for his readers to help clarify and verify the information he shares with his readers.  He also openly recognized the misinformation.  For that, kudos and keep setting a great example! On the other hand, Mr. Hotton is just one more example of someone who was unaware of the new rule and the serious implications of lead poisoning potentially caused by renovations due to the lack of any public and industry awareness performed by the EPA.  Topics: [Marketing Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/marketing-considerations), [Health Effects of Lead](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/health-effects-of-lead), [EPA RRP for Dummies](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/epa-rrp-for-dummies), [Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/work-practices) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.