MEDWAY, MA--(Marketwire - February 23, 2010) - Jeff McLinden, President of J.M. Construction Co. -- an award-winning residential design/build construction firm located in Medway, MA -- announced that the company received its EPA certification to Conduct Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovations. This certification is awarded after the successful completion of a rigorous program that covers procedures and practices in lead safe renovations.

The EPA instituted a new rule under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) that requires all residential contractors who come in contact with lead-based paint during the course of their work be properly trained and certified in lead safe renovations. The rule also covers child-occupied facilities including schools and daycare centers. It goes into effect nationwide on April 22, 2010.

Like asbestos, lead-based paint in the home poses a huge health hazard to family members. This is especially true during a renovation when dust containing lead paint particles can easily be inhaled and/or spread throughout the home. Mr. McLinden said that for this reason, it's vitally important to work with a "Certified Renovator" who is trained in lead safe practices.

"There is always dust during any renovations," Mr. McLinden said. "Coming in contact with dust that contains lead paint can cause severe health problems including brain damage, especially in young children and pregnant mothers."

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), lead poisoning represents "one of the top childhood environmental health problems today." Approximately 24 million houses in the United States contain lead paint.

But those hazards become so much worse during renovations when paint and paint dust can be disturbed, sending it airborne and contaminating the whole house. Contractors must be trained in its handling and removal in order to become certified by the EPA.

Lead-based paint is "a big problem" in the greater Boston area, Mr. McLinden said. Although lead paint was banned in 1978, homes built before then likely contain the dangerous heavy metal.

"About 75% of the homes we work on were built before 1978," Mr. McLinden said. "That means they probably have lead-based paint somewhere in the house, perhaps even painted over. Demolition, sanding prep, or even fishing new electrical through walls could send dangerous dust into the air."

However unlike asbestos, where just "leaving it alone" might be enough, lead is much harder to contain once it is in the home. Children are most susceptible to lead exposure through normal hand to mouth activities and even opening and closing lead-painted windows can be hazardous.

"The best way to protect you and your family," states Mr. McLinden, "is to ask questions and have your children tested regularly. If you have or suspect you may have lead-based paint in your home, be sure to ask your contractor for proof that he or she is EPA-certified to Conduct Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovations before they start work. It is the responsibility of the contractor to help educate the home owner about the dangers of lead exposure and how to safely work in homes with lead paint."

About J.M. Construction -- Craftsmanship at Every Level

J.M. Construction is a multi-level design/build company, offering a range of services from complete home remodels, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling to single-room renovations and small projects. Founded by Jeffrey McLinden in 1986, J.M. Construction's expert team of professional designers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other craftspeople provides its clients with top quality, professional services at competitive prices.

J.M. Construction is a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) and the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, and is EPA-certified to Conduct Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovations.

For more information on J.M. Construction, Co., call 866-533-1660 or visit the company website at www.jmconstructionco.com. Press inquiries, contact Joanne DiFrancesco, JDCommunications, Inc., public relations and marketing at 781-828-0323 or jdcommunications@verizon.net.

Contact Information: PRESS CONTACT: Joanne DiFrancesco JDCommunications, Inc. 781-828-0323 www.jdcomm.biz