Lead in Paint

Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that two Boston-area landlords will perform health-protective improvements on five Dorchester properties to settle EPA claims that they failed to follow federal lead paint disclosure laws. Under the settlement, the two will also pay a cash penalty of over $10,000 in addition to lead abatement projects valued at almost $100,000 at a number of properties in Dorchester.

The EPA alleged in their complaint that the two violated the federal Toxic Substance Control Act when they failed to provide tenants with lead paint disclosure information at rental units they owned as is required by the federal lead-based paint disclosure rule.

“The lead abatement projects required under this settlement will result in significant public health protections, because the work will remove lead hazards from these residential units,” said Curt Spalding, Regional Administrator of EPA’s New England office. “Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure. Replacing windows, doors and wood siding at these properties will protect kids from the risk of lead poisoning.”

Lead-based paint (LBP) and lead contaminated dusts are some of the most hazardous sources of lead for children in this country.  “Many homes built before 1978 will often contain lead-based paints,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These paints can be found both on the inside and outside of the property.  At EMSL, we offer lead testing services to the public, landlords, property managers, government agencies, environmental consultants and industry to help identify lead hazards and to ensure that all rules and regulations meant to protect building occupants are being followed.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about protecting children from lead poisoning that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U.

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.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, industrial hygiene, food and materials testing services and products to government agencies, industry professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.