New Lead Paint Rules in Oregon and Washington

New Lead Paint Rules in Oregon and Washington

What Homeowners Should Know Before Remodeling

If your home was built before 1978, the upcoming changes to lead regulations in Oregon and Washington affect you directly. These updates matter even more if you have children in the home, are expecting a baby, or are planning any kind of renovation that disturbs painted surfaces. Lead dust is invisible, it spreads easily, and even small amounts can harm developing brains and pregnancy outcomes. Because of this, the EPA has tightened the rules, and both states are preparing to align with those new standards.

This is the moment for homeowners to understand what is changing and how to hire contractors who are qualified to keep your home safe.

Why Lead Safety Is Becoming Stricter

Lead dust is one of the most common sources of exposure in older homes. It settles on floors, toys, furniture, and anything children touch. Even low levels can affect learning, behavior, growth, and neurological development. Pregnant women can also pass lead exposure to the developing baby, which is why these new rules are designed to reduce risk inside homes and childcare settings.

Decades of research show that there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. The EPA’s updated standards reflect this reality and significantly strengthen how hazards are defined.

The EPA Rule Has Already Changed, and Oregon and Washington Are About to Follow

The EPA’s updated lead hazard rule went into effect in January 2026. Under this rule, any detectable amount of lead dust on floors or window sills is considered a hazard. This is a major shift from the previous thresholds, which allowed measurable amounts of lead dust before a home was classified as unsafe.

Previous Hazard Levels

  • Floors: 10 micrograms per square foot

  • Window sills: 100 micrograms per square foot

New Hazard Definition

  • Any detectable lead on floors or window sills is now considered hazardous

Updated Clearance Levels After Renovation

Once renovation or abatement work is complete, dust levels must be below:

  • 5 micrograms per square foot on floors

  • 40 micrograms per square foot on window sills

  • 100 micrograms per square foot on window troughs

Oregon and Washington will officially adopt these updated standards in January 2027. Once that happens, every renovation in a pre‑1978 home will need to meet the new hazard definition and the stricter clearance levels that follow.

Redline Environmental is an RRP‑certified contractor, which means we are already trained, licensed, and equipped to follow these requirements. Homeowners can rely on us to use proper containment, HEPA cleaning, and safe work practices that meet both current EPA rules and the upcoming state standards.

What This Means for Homeowners in Oregon and Washington

Both states operate their own lead programs, but they must follow EPA’s updated standards. If your home was built before 1978, any renovation that disturbs painted surfaces must follow RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) rules.

In Oregon

Contractors must be certified through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Look for:

  • LBPR (Lead-Based Paint Renovation) certification

  • A valid CCB license

In Washington

Contractors must be certified through the Washington Department of Commerce Lead-Based Paint Program.

If a contractor cannot show proof of RRP certification, they are not legally allowed to disturb painted surfaces in a pre‑1978 home. This certification protects your family and ensures the contractor is trained in lead-safe work practices.

Planning a Remodel, and What You Should Expect

Any project that disturbs painted surfaces can release lead dust. This includes window replacement, flooring removal, demolition, siding work, plumbing or electrical work inside walls, and repainting.

A qualified contractor will:

  • Set up full containment

  • Use HEPA vacuums

  • Wet-wash surfaces

  • Protect your HVAC system

  • Keep children, pets, and pregnant occupants away from the work zone

  • Perform cleaning verification or dust testing

If a contractor does not mention these steps, it is a sign they may not be following lead-safe practices.

Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Contractor

Use this checklist to protect your home and your family.

  • Are you RRP-certified through the Washington Department of Commerce or the Oregon CCB

  • Will you set up full containment

  • Do you use HEPA vacuums and wet-cleaning methods

  • Will you perform cleaning verification or dust testing

  • How will you protect children, pets, and pregnant occupants during the project

A qualified contractor will answer confidently. A risky contractor will avoid specifics or try to minimize the importance of lead-safe practices.

Why This Matters Most for Families

Children under six absorb lead more quickly than adults. Their developing brains and bodies are more vulnerable, and because lead dust is invisible, families often do not know they have been exposed until symptoms appear. Pregnant women are also at higher risk because lead can cross the placenta.

These updated rules exist to protect your home and your health. They only work when contractors follow them correctly.

The Bottom Line

Lead regulations in Oregon and Washington are becoming stricter, and that is a positive change for families. If your home was built before 1978, hiring an RRP-certified contractor is essential. It is the best way to ensure your remodel is safe, compliant, and protective of everyone living in the home.

Your contractor’s certification is not just a box to check. It is your first line of defense.