ATLANTA, June 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Green Education Services, an EPA Lead Certification and green jobs training provider, announced today that it has been approved as an Accredited Training Provider in the state of Georgia to provide Lead Renovator Certification. The certification is required for contractors, painters, and renovators who perform work on housing or child-occupied facilities built before 1978. The state program, enacted June 1, 2011, stems from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) program established April 2010, and encompasses any renovation or repair work that disturbs paint on qualifying projects.

With the announcement of its accreditation, Green Education Services will be launching Lead Renovator Certification courses throughout the state, beginning in Atlanta, Savannah, and Augusta. The required classes are one day in length, and cover lead-safe practices through classroom and hands-on experience. The course concludes with a certification exam for the individual to become a Certified Renovator.

A recent announcement from the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) stated that in 2009, almost 1,000 children under the age of six were poisoned by lead. In addition, Savannah was reported to have the highest number of children with elevated blood levels in the state of Georgia. These high numbers may be due to the fact that Savannah has over 46,000 homes built prior to 1978, when lead paint was banned, and the DCH estimates that at least 25 percent of those homes contain lead hazards.

“The adverse health effects of lead dust and chips are a serious threat for both adults and children,” commented Green Education Services CEO Zachary Rose. “We are proud to provide quality training on best lead paint practices, combined with the valuable certification for workers across the state.”

Contractors in the state of Georgia must comply with the new lead paint safety requirements, or risk fines of up to $10,000 per violation. In addition to taking the required course, contractors must register themselves and their company by sending in separate applications to the state.

Green Education Services (www.greenedu.com) provides building design and construction industry professionals with world-class sustainable design and work-safety training. With LEED Certification Seminars, Lead Certification Training, and Energy Auditor Training, Green Education Services provides all the green jobs training, resources, and tools necessary to quickly and successfully enter the green work force.

Connect with Green Education Services on Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenEDU

CONTACT: Nichole Bogdanske, 646-723-4359, marketing@greenedu.com

SOURCE Green Education Services