In The news: EPA Inspection Reveals Violations of Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule by Home Renovation Company of Joplin, Mo

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7
11201 Renner Blvd., Lenexa, KS 66219
Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Nine Tribal Nations
EPA Inspection Reveals Violations of Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule by Home Renovation Company of Joplin, Mo.
Contact Information: Angela Brees, 913-551-7940 brees.angela@epa.gov
Environmental News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lenexa, Kan., February 4, 2016) – EPA Region 7 conducted a recordkeeping inspection in response to a tip and complaint regarding Home Pro in Joplin, Mo., that revealed violations of the Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule. As part of a settlement with EPA filed in Lenexa, Kan., the company has agreed to pay a $5,978 penalty to the United States.

The Renovation, Repair, and Painting Rule seeks to reduce lead exposure from toxic lead dust that can be disturbed during renovations and repairs. The rule regulates lead-based paint activities, including renovation of residences built prior to 1978, and the certification of individuals and firms who are involved in these activities.

The recordkeeping inspection conducted in October 2014 at Home Pro, a home renovation company, revealed that the company failed to obtain written acknowledgement from homeowners that they received a Renovate Right pamphlet prior to renovations, and to retain records documenting lead safe work practices.

Lead exposure can cause a range of adverse health effects, from behavioral disorders and learning disabilities to seizures and death, putting young children at the greatest risk because their nervous systems are still developing. A national survey of lead and allergens in housing conducted by HUD estimates that 38 million occupied housing units (about 40 percent of all housing units) in the United States contain some lead-based paint.

There are approximately 500,000 U.S. children ages 1-5 with blood lead levels above 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL), the reference level at which the Centers for Disease Control recommends public health actions be initiated.

If you suspect the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule has been violated at a recently completed or ongoing renovation project, EPA encourages you to contact Region 7 at 1-800-223-0425 or by using the electronic form available at http://www.epa.gov/ks/forms/region-7-contact-us-about-lead-tips-and-complaints.