Property Management and Development Company Reaches Settlement with EPA for Alleged Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Violations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it had reached a settlement with a Connecticut property management and development firm for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). EPA claimed the company violated both the asbestos regulations under the CAA Section 112 and the National Emission Standard for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Asbestos (Asbestos NESHAP), and the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule under TSCA.

If a home, building or any type of structure is renovated or remodeled, asbestos-containing materials could become an exposure threat if asbestos fibers are released into the air and settle as dust if the proper safety precautions were not put in place. This is why handling asbestos is regulated in most cases. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.

The RRP Rule 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. Exposure to lead can result in a myriad of health concerns, especially for young children.

“In this case, the company agreed to pay a penalty of $25,000 and to certify its return to compliance with these federal laws,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Property management, renovation and construction companies need to be aware of regulations that exist when dealing with lead-based paints and asbestos-containing materials to protect people and to avoid costly noncompliance penalties.”

Fortunately, identifying lead and asbestos hazards in homes and buildings is quick, convenient and affordable. EMSL Analytical, with a laboratory in Connecticut and dozens more across the United States and Canada, provides environmental, material and industrial hygiene testing services for lead, asbestos and other regulated materials. They also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment.

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

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations 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, VOCs, 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 EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA 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