Lead Dust Concerns during Home Renovations Results in Largest Ever Civil Penalty for RRP Rule Violations

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that one of the nation’s largest home improvement retailers has agreed to implement a comprehensive, corporate-wide compliance program at over 1,700 stores nationwide. This program would ensure that hired contractors perform work minimize lead dust from home renovation activities.  These steps are required by the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. In addition, the company will pay a $500,000 civil penalty, which is the largest ever for violations of the RRP Rule.
 
According to the EPA, the complaint alleged that the company failed to provide documentation showing that the contractors it hires to perform renovation projects for its customers had been certified by EPA, had been properly trained, had used lead-safe work practices or had correctly used EPA-approved lead test kits at renovation sites. EPA’s investigation showed that at three homes located in Illinois and Ohio, the company’s contractors failed to ensure that work areas had been properly contained during renovations and cleaned up after renovations.
 
Lead-based paint is one of the most significant sources of lead exposure. Many homes built before 1960 contain heavily leaded paint and some homes built as recently as 1978 also contain lead-based paint. This paint could be on window frames, walls, the outside of homes or on other surfaces. Harmful exposure to lead can be created when lead-based paint deteriorates or when it is improperly removed from surfaces during renovation or demolition activities.
 
“The EPA’s announcement of the civil penalty for violations of the RRP Rule has not gone unnoticed by restoration contractors,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “EMSL provides rapid laboratory analysis and field test kits that allow contractors to know if lead is present. Following the required procedures not only keeps workers and building occupants safe, it also prevents costly fines.”
 
EMSL has sponsored an educational video about lead hazards during home renovation and remodeling projects that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/4KwNujqAL9A. To learn more about lead or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality (IAQ) and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 
 

Contact Information

Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

Contact via E-mail