Joe’s Blog

Promoting Healthy Homes

 I grew up in an older home and my father Ed Levitch MHRIP was an Architect and remodeling contractor in and around Berkeley California and the surrounding cities since 1958. Growing up I learned so many things from him, he taught me the value of family, respect and everything I know today about remodeling homes safely. 

I remember a  time at Levco Builders when I received a call from a man who shared a personal story about lead poisoning. He thanked me for advocating for the rule. I assured him of my commitment to safety. I was an early supporter of the EPA’s RRP rule, and I’m still a strong advocate today for ensuring people are safe in their homes.

What is a Healthy Home?
We all believe our homes are healthy places but all too often the opposite is true. As a remodeling contractor too, I deal with it every day. From the materials we use to how they are installed and the environment we create within the envelope of your home is unbelievably important. The CDC describes a healthy home as “One that is designed, built, and maintained to support our health” I couldn’t agree more. The other pivotal moment in my quest to promote healthy homes was a document written by the then Surgeon General, Steven Galson in 2009 who articulated the need for a healthy housing stock. This blog is dedicated to all things related to healthy homes with an emphasis on lead, lead detection as well as protection of humans and pets.

Get The Lead Out

Get The Lead Out

This was a common phrase my dad used to say. It had to do with teaching a work ethic. Turns out that he got some traction, we 4 boys learned how to work hard and stay busy even when we weren't being watched. Now the saying has a different meaning because I am focused...

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Lead Testing Without The Normal Tools

Lead Testing Without The Normal Tools

As we step lightly into the future of remodeling pre-1978 homes in a post-3M lead test swab era, we find ourselves hoarding swabs and stretching the most out of them. If we could make them last, then we can avoid the inevitable disappointment of the Old Mother Hubbard...

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I Am The Parent Of A Leaded Child

I Am The Parent Of A Leaded Child

Nothing is more devastating than knowing that you have not protected your child from danger. I have heard enough stories and met the moms, and I know there are plenty more out there. I get angry now, knowing that all of these stories are heart-wrenching. Some deal...

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Lead Conference Was A Hit

Lead Conference Was A Hit

I recently attended the National Lead and Healthy Housing Conference in Savannah, Georgia. I was naturally most interested in Lead and how the country handles the lead problem.  The movers and shakers in the field were all there. What I heard loud and clear is that...

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“I Could Tell By Looking It Was Lead Paint”

“I Could Tell By Looking It Was Lead Paint”

Well, that ain't exactly true. This quote came from a contractor's mouth to a client's ear before I arrived to take a look because the homeowner smelled a fib. There are 5- ways that I am aware of to determine if the paint is lead-based: I tested the paint with the...

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Lead Conference Was A Hit

Lumetallix & Lead Locators Sponsor National Lead Conference

The 2024 National Lead & Healthy Housing Conference will be held this year at the DeSoto in Savana, Georgia. Save the date: August 20th—22nd. Lumetallix and Lead Locators are sponsors of this annual event. This is an exciting opportunity to speak at the conference...

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