Indianapolis, Indiana, May 31
th, 2022
Last month, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it had reached a settlement with a home renovation company in Indianapolis to resolve alleged violations of the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule that were depicted on a television program. Under the settlement, the firm will pay a civil penalty of $40,000 and produce a video about renovations involving lead-based paint.
EPA claimed that beginning in 2017, the company performed or directed workers to perform renovations in three Indianapolis residential properties constructed prior to 1978 without complying with applicable RRP Rule requirements. Since being contacted by EPA, the business has obtained RRP firm certification, certified it is complying with the RRP Rule, and agreed to comply with the RRP Rule in all future renovation activities.
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.
“This settlement is yet another reminder to renovation companies that lead-based paints can be serious exposure risk for workers and building occupants if the proper safety precautions are not taken,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in behavior and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, anemia, hyperactivity, and even a lower IQ. Fortunately, identifying lead hazards in homes and buildings is quick, convenient, and affordable. EMSL Analytical, with laboratories across the United States and Canada, provides environmental and material testing services for lead and other heavy metals. We also offer sampling supplies, test kits, and personal protective equipment. These services and products protect workers, the public, and also 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 and 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.