EPA records 123 enforcement actions in lead-based paint cases

Between October 2015 and September 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency completed 123 federal enforcement actions against contractors, landlords and property managers to improve public protection from lead exposure through unsafe handling of lead paint.

“Renovation companies and their contractors must protect children and other vulnerable people from lead-based paint exposure, especially in minority and low-income communities where housing with lead-based paint is more common,” EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Assistant Administrator Cynthia Giles said. “These enforcement actions show that EPA will hold companies accountable when they put public health at risk, and they promote a level playing field for businesses that follow the rules.”

The EPA settled the 123 cases, requiring alleged offenders to come into compliance with the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, the Lead Disclosure Rule and the Lead-based Paint Activities Rule for abatements. In most cases, the EPA also required them to pay civil penalties, which over the yearlong period came to more than $1 million.

Lead exposure can lead to health problems including behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, seizures and death, and is particularly dangerous for young children, as it can harm their developing nervous system. Rules governing those working with lead are designed to limit public exposure through processes to limit the spread of lead-based materials and through public knowledge of those activities.