Maryland Court Overturns Lead Paint Law that Shielded Landlords

Maryland’s highest court ruled that an important provision of the 1994 lead-poisoning law violated the state constitution by denying lead-poisoning victims their day in court, reports the Baltimore Sun. Landlords of rental units built before 1950 had previously been protected from civil lawsuits from lead-poisoning victims as long as they registered and reduced the lead hazards in their properties. The law, seen as a compromise between landlords and lead-poisoning victims’ advocates, also established a $17,000 cap on payments to victims.
 
Although the cap is gone and civil lawsuits are now allowed, the provisions of the law protecting tenants from lead poisoning remain in effect, notes the Baltimore Sun. 
 
Children are at the greatest risk for lead poisoning, because they are still developing and their small bodies would contain higher concentrations than adults. Complications resulting from lead poisoning are learning disabilities, mental retardation, behavioral problems, lowered intelligence, stunted growth, and hearing impairment.
 
“At EMSL Analytical, our seasoned account representatives guide clients through the sampling process, explain the results, and help them navigate the regulatory environment,” states Joseph Frasca, Senior VP of Marketing at EMSL. “We provide legally defensible lead testing at locations across the country, including our Beltsville, MD laboratory.”
 
 
For more information on EMSL’s testing services, please contact EMSL at (800) 220-3675, visit www.EMSL.com, or email info@EMSL.com.
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical Inc. is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior VP of Marketing

EMSL Analytical Inc.

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com