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.

Medical Director Revealed

Medical Director Revealed

When Lead Locators was established in 2013, I asked my friend and family pediatrician to be my medical director. He agreed and was always there to be the voice of reason, professionally and personally. At the time, Lead Locators was focused on lead testing. Now that...

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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 Just Recertified My RRP

I Just Recertified My RRP

I just had a wonderful day of RRP Refreshment. It is hard to believe it has been 3-years since my last online class. It just sneaks up on you. The curriculum hasn't changed much from the initial class but the booklet was updated and I think it has been streamlined....

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Lead Paint Detective Discovers Lumetallix

Lead Paint Detective Discovers Lumetallix

Anthony Weaver is a Lead Risk Assessor in Toledo, Ohio. The city of Toledo created its own Lead Rules in 2016. He is very connected to his community's Public Health network. He has established himself as an expert, advocate, and educator for Childhood Lead Poisoning...

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Kids Deserve To Be Lead Free

Kids Deserve To Be Lead Free

As I write this blog, I am reminded about the dangers of not maintaining older buildings where children are present. Child occupied facilities by EPA definition are: A child-occupied facility is a building, or a portion of a building, constructed before 1978, visited...

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EPA Beefs Up Dust Regulations

EPA Beefs Up Dust Regulations

The EPA recently tightened dust rules in one area of the Federal Lead World. The rule does not affect projects that are not federally funded. The EPA is aware of our product and could incorporate it into the RRP and the Federal World of Lead any day, but it hasn't...

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West Coast Lead Conference A Hit

West Coast Lead Conference A Hit

Lead Locators proudly displayed the Lumetallix instant lead test kit at the West Coast Lead and Healthy Housing Conference in Downey, California. 180 professionals gathered to discuss and hear the latest in healthy housing and where California goes with its lead...

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