The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice reached a $10,000 settlement with Homeworks Construction Inc. to resolve alleged lead paint renovation violations in South Bend, Indiana.
EPA alleged that beginning in 2018, Homeworks Construction performed renovations in 17 residential properties constructed prior to 1978 without complying with federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) regulations. The company has now obtained RRP certification and confirmed compliance with the current rules.
Dust from lead-based paint is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead, which can create irreversible and lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint is disturbed by renovation work such as window installation, demolishing painted surfaces like walls and porches and scraping or repainting homes.
Companies and individuals performing renovations on housing built before 1978 are required to comply with regulations under EPA’s lead renovation program. The regulations require companies to train employees on safe work practices and obtain certification from EPA prior to renovations. The companies must also comply with recordkeeping requirements and notify homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure.
Source: EPA
Topics Construction
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.