Two St. Louis companies fined over lead-based paint violations
Two St. Louis home renovation companies have been ordered to pay thousands to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over federal lead-based paint violations.
ST. LOUIS - Two St. Louis home renovation companies have been ordered to pay thousands to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency over federal lead-based paint violations.
The EPA has fined BBW Homes LLC and Kim Roberts Properties LLC and two other Missouri businesses accused of violating the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.
According to the EPA, the companies did not comply with regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead-based paint exposure and will pay $27,000 collectively as a result.
Such violations happen when a company that performs home renovations, or hires subcontractors, does not meet at least one of the following practices:
- Obtaining certification from EPA prior to performing renovations
- Compliance with lead safety practices
- Proper retention of records
- Notification to homeowners about the hazards of renovation-related lead exposure
The EPA says, when lead contaminates dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in buildings finished prior to 1978, it can cause elevated blood lead levels in children. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates.
Infants and children are particularly vulnerable to lead-based 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. Children can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and lifelong health effects.
“Reducing exposure to lead, especially among children and pregnant women and in communities already overburdened with pollution exposure, is a top priority for EPA,” said David Cozard, EPA Region 7 Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division Director, via a news release. “Renovator certification is a key requirement that ensures renovators will know how to properly handle and dispose of lead-based paint, and to notify residents of the presence of lead-paint hazards.”
The EPA also fined DSH Legacy LLC in Hayti, Missouri, and Nygard Construction LLC in Bernie, Missouri, for similar violations.
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