The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that renovations and repairs of pre-1978 buildings must now be conducted using safe practices to protect families and workers from exposure to lead-based paint. EPA proposed the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which requires contractors to be trained and certified in lead-safe work practices, in 2006. In 2008, EPA finalized the rule and set April 22, 2010 as the implementation date. This law pertains to renovations exceeding more than 6 square feet of interior surface where lead is present and more than 20 square feet on exteriors, where lead paint will be disturbed through repairs, renovations, and painting.