Meriden, Connecticut, November 14, 2023
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a settlement with a residential and commercial painting contractor in Connecticut after finding alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act's lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. As a result of the settlement, the company has agreed to pay a penalty of over $18,000.
According to the EPA:
This settlement is part of EPA Region 1's Connecticut Geographic Initiative, which focused on increased education, outreach, and enforcement of federal lead-based paint rules in Hartford, Fairfield, and New Haven counties due to the incidence of childhood blood lead poisoning. Over the past four years, federal inspectors conducted 122 compliance inspections, settled four penalty actions with several more in development, and provided compliance assistance to thousands of companies operating in this area who are or may be subject to EPA lead-based paint regulations. This work falls under the Agency's 2022 National Strategy to Reduce Lead Exposures and Disparities in U.S. Communities and was conducted in close coordination with state and local public health agencies.
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 case is yet another example of a costly settlement for a company that works in properties that may contain lead-based paints,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Fortunately, identifying lead hazards is quick, convenient and affordable. EMSL Analytical has laboratories across North America that provide environmental, material and industrial hygiene testing services for lead, asbestos and other regulated materials. We also offer sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and personal protective equipment. These services and resources protect workers and the public. They can also be essential for keeping companies in regulatory compliance.”
To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing resources, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access lead or other indoor environmental quality 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.