That was before my time on the list so I am glad you sent it.

It's a shame the person that originally sent the email did not include relevant links as it sounds dubious to me that I can be fined for hiring someone to do some work. Also the use of the term ""scab-non-certified"" leaves me without words.

There are various links available to us that talk about EPA lead certification in more detail. Nowhere have I read that the person doing the hiring is liable for fines.

The moral of the story would be to educate yourself. I may be getting to this story late as I'm sure there were replies to the thread when the original email was posted about the FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) being spread in that email.

From http://www.leadcertificationpa.com/faq/ you can read things like this:

"As of April 22, 2010, anyone who conducts renovations, repairs, or painting in pre-1978 or child-occupied facilities must get certified. "

"Is painting considered renovation if no surface preparation activity occurs?
No. If the surface to be painted is not disturbed by sanding, scraping, or other activities that may cause dust, the work is not considered renovation and EPA's lead program requirements do not apply. However, painting projects that involve surface preparation that disturbs paint, such as sanding and scraping, would be covered."

At http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/sellsheet.pdf you can read this sort of thing:

Any contractor, including renovators, electricians, HVAC
specialists, plumbers, painters and maintenance staff,
who disrupts more than six square feet of lead paint in
pre-1978 homes, schools, day care centers and other
places where children spend time.