Four Missouri home renovation companies have agreed to pay over $27,000 in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act. The EPA identified BBW Homes LLC and Kim Roberts Properties LLC in St. Louis, DSH Legacy LLC in Hayti, and Nygard Construction LLC in Bernie as failing to comply with regulations designed to minimize lead-based paint exposure during renovations.
The EPA stated that these companies conducted renovations on properties built before 1978 without obtaining the necessary renovator certification from the agency. Other cited violations included not maintaining required records and neglecting lead-safe work practices.
"Reducing exposure to lead, especially among children and pregnant women and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure, is a top priority for EPA," said David Cozad, Director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division at EPA Region 7. "Renovator certification is a key requirement that ensures renovators will know how to properly handle and dispose of lead-based paint, and to notify residents of the presence of lead-paint hazards."
Lead-contaminated dust from disturbed lead-based paint is a significant cause of elevated blood lead levels, particularly affecting infants and children due to their increased absorption rates compared to adults. Renovation activities such as window installation or scraping painted surfaces can generate this hazardous dust.
Under EPA's Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Program, those performing renovations on pre-1978 housing must train employees in safe work practices, obtain certification prior to starting projects, retain compliance records, and inform homeowners about potential risks associated with renovation-related lead exposure.