Seattle, Washington, December 8
th, 2021
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced it had reached settlements with 41 residential home renovators in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington for violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. As part of the settlements, the companies will collectively pay tens of thousands of dollars in penalties.
According to EPA:
Renovators of pre-1978 housing are required by federal law to obtain EPA Firm Certification under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. 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.
Exposure to lead-contaminated dust from 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. Workers performing renovation activities are also at risk if they have not been properly trained and the required safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) are not in place.
“The good news is identifying lead hazards in homes, schools, and commercial buildings is quick and affordable,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL has dozens of laboratories across the United States and Canada that provide environmental, industrial hygiene, and material testing services for lead and other common exposure hazards. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits, and PPE.”
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.