The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached agreements with renovation companies to safeguard the public from health risks associated with lead-based paint. These settlements pertain to the companies' activities involving renovation, repair and painting, conducted in both residential and commercial properties within the larger Los Angeles region, according to an Aug. 10 news release.
"Exposure to lead-based paint can have serious health implications and remains a common source of lead poisoning in children, especially children under the age of six who are particularly vulnerable to lead," EPA Pacific Southwest Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Director Amy Miller said in the release. "Holding companies accountable when they do not comply with lead-safe work practices and training requirements is a critical element of protecting public health."
EPA reached settlements with MCEC Inc., Kreative Paintworks and ZPainters over allegations of breaching federal regulations safeguarding the public against lead-based paint hazards, the release reported. EPA contends these firms have contravened multiple stipulations outlined in the EPA's Lead-Based Paint (LBP) Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule.
Of the three cases, two were instigated by tips and/or complaints lodged by the public with the EPA, the release said. As part of the agreements, MCEC Inc. will pay a $16,692 civil penalty, Kreative Paintworks will settle with a $10,000 civil penalty, and ZPainters will pay a $3,053 civil penalty.
The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, a federal mandate, necessitates workers to be certified and trained in lead-safe work practices, and requires companies engaged in such tasks to hold EPA certification, the release noted. The rule also dictates either the general contractor or subcontractor must assign an individual trained in lead-based paint management to each project to oversee proper management or disposal of lead-based paint on-site.
In addition, companies are obligated to maintain records of their compliance for a minimum of three years after the completion of the renovation, according to the release.
The EPA's enforcement actions underscore its dedication to tackling childhood lead exposure. Although detrimental at any age, lead exposure poses the greatest threat to children under the age of six, potentially causing issues such as learning difficulties, slowed growth, diminished IQ, hearing problems and behavioral challenges, the release reported.
Despite the federal ban on consumer use of lead-containing paint since 1978, it remains present in numerous older homes, sometimes concealed beneath layers of fresh paint. To mitigate these risks, the EPA mandates lead-safe certified contractors carry out any renovation, repair or painting project in pre-1978 homes or structures, as these activities can generate hazardous lead dust, the release said.
