In April 2010, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rules (RRP) requiring the use of lead-safe practices during home renovation, repair and painting projects to prevent lead poisoning and lead toxicity. Under the new rule, contractors performing projects that disturb lead-based paint in homes, child-care facilities, and schools built before 1978 must be certified and follow specific work practices to prevent lead contamination. This rule affects approximately 69 million homes in the United States—nearly 80% of all residential dwellings.