The EPA is the process of determining whether lead‐based paint hazards exist for activities in public and commercial buildings, as required under section 402(c)(3) of the Toxic Substances Control Act.  If the EPA determines that renovation activities create lead‐based paint hazards, EPA is required to address those hazards through regulation.  EPA summarized the approach it has taken during this process in a document titled “Approach for Estimating Exposures and Incremental Health Effects due to Lead During Renovation, Repair and Painting Activities in Public and Commercial Buildings”.  EPA is seeking public comment on this document because it is considered an influential scientific product.  An influential scientific product is one that represents new approaches and/or applications of methods that have not been previously peer reviewed and are anticipated to have significant impact on decision-making.

EPA anticipates concluding the peer review by the end of 2014.  A peer review panel meeting is expected to occur in the fall of 2014 and the peer review report is expected a few months later.  If EPA determines that hazards are created and publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register, then EPA agrees to take final action no later than 18 months after the proposed rule is published.