The cities of Lewiston and Auburn have teamed up to help contractors, landlords and property managers deal with lead paint.

The two cities are offering a course Monday, Dec. 13, for anyone interested in learning how to stay safe when doing renovations that include lead paint.

The daylong session will include information about the dangers of lead exposure to children and adults, federal and state safety regulations, and the equipment needed when working with lead paint. It will include hands-on demonstrations.

“Lead is found in most pre-1978 properties, and renovations are the primary cause of lead dust,” said Yvette Bedard, the housing and community development officer in Lewiston.

Gail Phoenix, the housing program coordinator in Auburn, said, “The majority of hazards from paint dust are absorbed by breathing, and this course will provide an extensive overview as to the facts about such hazards and how to take a preventative approach.”

The instructors will be Peter Crocket, executive director of the Maine Labor Group, and Martha Catevenis, an industrial hygiene training facilitator contracted by the Labor Group. The course is sponsored by the Twin Cities’ Lead Hazard Reduction Program and partly funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.