Doherty Restoration, Inc. has been one of the leading contractors specializing in lead-safe procedures in the Bay Area since 1990.

As of April 22, 2010, the EPA requires the use of certified lead-safe practices in all residential properties. Landlords, property managers, and their employees are responsible for compliance with this new public-health rule.

“Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create hazardous dust and chips by disturbing lead-based paint, which can be harmful to adults and children. To protect against this risk, on April 22, 2008, EPA issued a rule requiring the use of lead-safe practices and other actions aimed at preventing lead poisoning. All contractors must be trained and certified by April 22, 2010.”

– US EPA

The dangers of lead in paint had been widely known since the 1970s when the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act was signed into law, but after the death of President George Bush Sr.’s dog Millie as a result of lead in the dust released from White House renovations, newer, stricter laws were put into place surrounding lead in both painting and construction.

In 1992, Doherty Restoration, Inc. – then Doherty Painting & Construction, Inc. – became part of the solution. President Frances Doherty was an active member of the Lead Advisory Board of the City and County of San Francisco for 9 years, where she assisted the SF Department of Building and Inspection (DBI) and San Francisco Department of Public Health in writing legislation establishing safe controls in the disturbance of lead paint on the exterior and interior of older homes and building in San Francisco, where over 90% of the housing stock is coated with dangerous Lead Paint.

In 2002, employees of Doherty Restoration, Inc. participated in The California Painters Project, which was a 2-year intervention research project aimed at preventing lead poisoning among a group of residential and commercial painters in San Francisco. This on-site research provided invaluable information regarding employee and resident safety during surface preparation and was key to discovering the safest methods of dealing with lead-based paint.

Doherty Restoration, Inc. has performed countless lead stabilization projects on residential buildings, private homes, and childcare facilities. Our crews have been CDHP (Department of Health) Lead in Construction Certified for over 25 years, and we are fully EPA Lead-Safe Certified for Renovation, Repair, and Painting to ensure safety from lead poisoning during all stages of construction.


Facts About Lead

  1. Lead exposure can harm young children and babies even before they are born.

  2. Even children who seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies.

  3. You can get lead in your body by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips containing lead.

  4. You have many options for reducing lead hazards. In most cases, lead-based paint that is in good condition is not a hazard.

  5. Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family.


If you think your home might have lead hazards, read this EPA information to learn about lead and some simple steps to protect your family. 

Download the EPA Protect Your Family Booklet

Download EPA Renovate Right 

Download EPA Pre-Renovation Form