EPA Fines Two Home Renovation Companies in Missouri for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that two home renovation companies in Missouri have agreed to pay almost $10,000 collectively in penalties to the agency to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. EPA claims both companies failed to comply with regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations.

According to EPA, in both cases, the companies failed to obtain EPA renovator certification and failed to assign a certified renovator prior to performing renovations. One of the companies is alleged to have also failed to comply with multiple safety practices while performing renovations, such as containing the spread of renovation dust and debris as well as warning occupants and other people to remain outside the worksite. The other firm also allegedly failed to provide notification of renovation requirements to property owners and failed to maintain the required paperwork.

The EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule was introduced in 2008 and was created to protect the public from lead-based paint hazards that can occur during repair or remodeling in homes and child-occupied facilities, such as schools, that were built before 1978. It requires that individuals performing renovations be properly trained and certified, and must follow lead-safe work practices. It also requires building contractors that renovate pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities to be certified by EPA.

“Already this year there have been a number of EPA fines and settlements for alleged RRP Rule violations with renovation companies from across the nation,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, identifying lead hazards in homes, daycare facilities, schools and other buildings is quick, convenient and affordable. EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across the United States and Canada, provides environmental and material testing services for lead and other heavy metals. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment. These services and products protect workers, the public, and help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.”

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access lead and other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC's, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

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