U.S. EPA requires Southern California contractor
to warn residents of lead-based paint dangers
SAN FRANCISCO – The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency recently fined G.D. Friend, Inc. (operating
as Everlast Home Energy Solutions) $28,564 for
failing to comply with the federal Renovation,
Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule while performing
renovation work at two residential properties
in Southern California. This rule seeks to protect
the public from lead-based paint hazards that
occur during repair or remodeling activities in
housing built before 1978.
“Renovation work in older homes
can create hazardous lead dust, but there are
simple steps contractors can take to keep everyone
safe,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator
for the Pacific Southwest. “EPA will take enforcement
action against companies to ensure they follow
proper lead-safety procedures.”
G.D. Friend, located in Anaheim,
Calif., installs energy efficient home improvement
products, such as windows and siding. An EPA inspection
found that in February and March 2014, the company
performed work at two pre-1978 residential properties
in Anaheim and La Verne without:
• receiving proper certification from EPA;
• providing clients with the required federal
Renovate Right brochure;
• keeping records indicating compliance with lead-safe
work practices; or
• ensuring a certified renovator performed all
of its lead-based paint responsibilities.
Lead-contaminated dust can be easily
ingested or inhaled. Common renovation activities
like sanding, cutting, and demolition can create
hazardous lead dust and chips that can settle
on home surfaces. Exposure to such contamination
through hand-to-mouth contact or breathing can
result in lead poisoning for children, families
and construction workers.
Though it is harmful at any age,
lead exposure is most dangerous to children. Children’s
growing bodies absorb more lead and their brain
and nervous systems are more sensitive to the
damaging effects of lead. Lead exposure can lead
to behavior and learning problems, slowed growth,
hearing problems, and diminished IQ.
EPA enforces the federal Toxic Substances
Control Act and its RRP rule to protect residents
from exposure to lead-based paint hazards. Contractors
who disturb painted surfaces in homes and child-occupied
facilities built before 1978 must be trained and
certified, provide educational materials to residents,
and follow safe work practices. Lead-based paint
was banned for residential use in 1978, but EPA
estimates that it is still present in more than
37 million older homes in the United States.