EPA Settlement Helps Protect Homeowners from
Lead Paint Exposure During Renovations
PHILADELPHIA (March 20, 2014)
-- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
today announced that Thermo-Twin Industries,
Inc. has agreed to implement lead-safe precautions
when renovating pre-1978 dwellings. The company,
located at 1155 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont, Pa.,
will also pay a $25,690 civil penalty to settle
alleged violations.
EPA cited the company for violating the Renovation,
Repair, and Painting Rule (RRP Rule), which
requires that those receiving compensation for
work on pre-1978 dwellings and child-occupied
facilities be certified and use lead-safe work
practices. These practices are designed to reduce
the creation and dispersion of dangerous lead
dust during common activities that disturb lead-based
paint -- such as sanding, cutting, and window
replacement.
Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse
effects on the central nervous system, such
as behavioral disorders, learning disabilities,
and seizures. Children under six years of age
are at the greatest risk because their nervous
systems are still developing.
Thermo-Twin allegedly violated the RRP rule
during its renovation of three residential properties
in Glenshaw, Latrobe, and Yukon, Pa. According
to EPA, company employees failed to take required
lead-safe precautions, such as removing objects
and covering the work area with plastic or other
impermeable sheeting.
The company also allegedly failed to provide
the owners and occupants of the properties with
an EPA-approved lead hazard information pamphlet,
known as the Renovate Right pamphlet, before
starting renovations at the properties. The
Renovate Right pamphlet helps homeowners and
tenants understand the risks of lead-based paint,
and how best to minimize these risks to protect
themselves and their families.
As part of the settlement, the company did
not admit liability for the cited violations.