EPA Reaches Settlements with Eight Renovation Companies in Washington for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had reached settlements with eight renovation companies in Washington for violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. The companies were from across the state and under the terms of the settlements, the firms have agreed to pay civil penalties and to certify that they are in compliance with certification requirements under the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule prior to offering and performing renovations.

Renovators of pre-1978 housing are required by federal law to obtain EPA Firm Certification. They must also obtain Renovator certification or assign certified renovators to projects; inform tenants and residents of possible lead-based paint and/or known lead hazards; and comply with work practice requirements intended to reduce lead-based paint exposure.

These requirements are in place because 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 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.

“Fortunately, identifying lead hazards in homes, schools, and commercial buildings is quick and inexpensive,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we have dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada that provide environmental and material testing services for lead and other heavy metals. Our experts can identify lead exposure risks from paint, dust, air, water, soil, and bulk samples. EMSL also offers sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and even personal protective equipment.”

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health, and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email  info@EMSL.com . To access test kits for lead or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) issues, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA-LAP, LLC (AIHA-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP, and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail