22 Home Renovators and Contractors Fined in Washington and Idaho for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it had reached settlements with 22 residential home renovation companies in Idaho and Washington for violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. The agency also reported that EPA Region 10’s compliance and enforcement program conducted 137 inspections of home renovation contractors, the highest number of inspections the region has completed in previous years.

The EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule was introduced in 2008 and was created to protect the public from lead-based paint hazards that can occur during repair or remodeling in homes and child-occupied facilities, such as schools, that were built before 1978. It requires that individuals performing renovations be properly trained and certified, and must follow lead-safe work practices. It also requires building contractors that renovate pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities to be certified by EPA.

“During this past year, there has been an increase in the number of EPA inspections, fines and settlements for alleged RRP Rule violations with renovation companies from all across the nation,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Identifying lead hazards in homes, daycare facilities, schools and other buildings is quick and affordable, and can help to keep companies from incurring costly noncompliance fines.”

EMSL Analytical, with two laboratories in Washington and dozens more across the United States and Canada, provides environmental and material testing services for a wide range of regulated materials. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment. These services and products protect workers, the public, and help to keep companies in regulatory compliance.

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 lead or other indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, 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