Contact Information: Ben Washburn, washburn.ben@epa.gov, 816-518-4154
LENEXA, KAN. (NOV. 16, 2022) – Five home renovation companies in Kansas and Missouri have agreed to pay nearly $132,000 collectively in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.
According to EPA, the following companies failed to comply with regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure during renovations:
Companies that perform home renovations, or hire subcontractors to perform renovations, are required to comply with regulations under EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. These regulations include requirements to obtain certification from EPA prior to performing renovations, as well as compliance with lead safety practices, records retention, and notification to homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead-based paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
Reducing childhood lead exposure and the associated health impacts is a top priority for EPA.
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