February 16, 2021
EPA Settles with “Texas Flip N Move” TV Show for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations
DALLAS – (Feb. 16, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Flipnmove Productions and EQ Media, Inc. to resolve alleged violations of federal regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead paint exposure during renovations. The companies are affiliated with the home renovation television programs “Texas Flip N Move.”
The alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) depicted on the shows include performing home renovations for compensation without obtaining EPA renovation firm certification and failure to comply with several work practice standards required for the safe handling and disposal of lead-based paint.
“Renovating older homes comes with the responsibility of safeguarding residents from exposure to dust from lead-based paint, and that means following regulations and using proper guidelines,” said Acting Regional Administrator David Gray. “Through this settlement, Texas Flip N Move is ensuring the safety of their renovation work and helping to protect children from and educate the public about exposure to lead-based paint.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the companies have agreed to pay civil penalties and take steps to ensure compliance with the RRP Rule in future renovation projects. Further, the companies have agreed to complete projects to educate the public about lead-based paint hazards and the importance of using a certified renovator, including banners on existing episodes of Texas Flip N Move, developing informational webpages on their respective websites and adding links to the EPA Lead and RRP webpages, and integrating elements of the RRP Rule into future programing. The companies will also use a third-party entity to perform lead abatement in low-income target-housing residences or child-occupied facilities within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
To read the full article, click here
EPA Settles with “Texas Flip N Move” TV Show for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations
DALLAS – (Feb. 16, 2021) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Flipnmove Productions and EQ Media, Inc. to resolve alleged violations of federal regulations intended to reduce the hazards of lead paint exposure during renovations. The companies are affiliated with the home renovation television programs “Texas Flip N Move.”
The alleged violations of the Toxic Substances Control Act’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule) depicted on the shows include performing home renovations for compensation without obtaining EPA renovation firm certification and failure to comply with several work practice standards required for the safe handling and disposal of lead-based paint.
“Renovating older homes comes with the responsibility of safeguarding residents from exposure to dust from lead-based paint, and that means following regulations and using proper guidelines,” said Acting Regional Administrator David Gray. “Through this settlement, Texas Flip N Move is ensuring the safety of their renovation work and helping to protect children from and educate the public about exposure to lead-based paint.”
Under the terms of the settlement, the companies have agreed to pay civil penalties and take steps to ensure compliance with the RRP Rule in future renovation projects. Further, the companies have agreed to complete projects to educate the public about lead-based paint hazards and the importance of using a certified renovator, including banners on existing episodes of Texas Flip N Move, developing informational webpages on their respective websites and adding links to the EPA Lead and RRP webpages, and integrating elements of the RRP Rule into future programing. The companies will also use a third-party entity to perform lead abatement in low-income target-housing residences or child-occupied facilities within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
To read the full article, click here
Lead in the News
March 15, 2021
EPA Reaches Settlements with Six Missouri Renovators for Alleged Lead Based Paint Violations
(Lenexa, Kan., March 15, 2021) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached settlements with six residential home renovators in Missouri for alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.
“Reducing exposure to lead-based paint, especially among children, is a top priority for EPA,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The Agency is committed to ensuring that home renovators follow the law and protect tenants from exposure.”
The settlements include two renovators from the Kansas City area: Montgall LLC and Karin Ross Designs LLC; three renovators from the St. Louis area: Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Inc., Starke Inc., and City Restoration & Revival LLC; and one renovator from Springfield: The Window Dudes LLC.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies agreed to pay civil penalties and to certify that they are in compliance with the law requiring the use of lead-safe work practices during renovations, known as the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
To read the full article click here.
EPA Reaches Settlements with Six Missouri Renovators for Alleged Lead Based Paint Violations
(Lenexa, Kan., March 15, 2021) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached settlements with six residential home renovators in Missouri for alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act.
“Reducing exposure to lead-based paint, especially among children, is a top priority for EPA,” said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7’s Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division. “The Agency is committed to ensuring that home renovators follow the law and protect tenants from exposure.”
The settlements include two renovators from the Kansas City area: Montgall LLC and Karin Ross Designs LLC; three renovators from the St. Louis area: Woodard Cleaning and Restoration Inc., Starke Inc., and City Restoration & Revival LLC; and one renovator from Springfield: The Window Dudes LLC.
Under the terms of the settlements, the companies agreed to pay civil penalties and to certify that they are in compliance with the law requiring the use of lead-safe work practices during renovations, known as the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
To read the full article click here.
June 24, 2020
Lead Exposure Sets More Cleveland Children On A Poisoned-To-Prison Path
By Rachel Dissell and Brie Zeltner
Exposure to high levels of lead at a young age greatly increased the chances of Cleveland school children following a poisoning-to-prison path of school struggles, juvenile crime, adult incarceration and homelessness, according to a study released Monday.
...
For the full article click here.
Lead Exposure Sets More Cleveland Children On A Poisoned-To-Prison Path
By Rachel Dissell and Brie Zeltner
Exposure to high levels of lead at a young age greatly increased the chances of Cleveland school children following a poisoning-to-prison path of school struggles, juvenile crime, adult incarceration and homelessness, according to a study released Monday.
...
For the full article click here.
June 3, 2020
Lead Poisoning Prevention 101: Your Responsibilities as a Business Owner
Lead poisoning in the workplace is not only deadly for workers but can also mean legal repercussions for your business.Lead poisoning in the workplace is not only deadly for workers but can also mean legal repercussions for your business.
For the full article click here.
Lead Poisoning Prevention 101: Your Responsibilities as a Business Owner
Lead poisoning in the workplace is not only deadly for workers but can also mean legal repercussions for your business.Lead poisoning in the workplace is not only deadly for workers but can also mean legal repercussions for your business.
For the full article click here.
June 21, 2019
EPA Takes Important Step to Further Protect Children from Exposure to Lead-Contaminated Dust
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, announced new, tighter standards for lead in dust on floors and window sills to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
“EPA is delivering on our commitment in the Trump Administration’s Federal Lead Action Plan to take important steps to reduce childhood lead exposure,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Today’s final rule is the first time in nearly two decades EPA is issuing a stronger, more protective standard for lead dust in homes and child care facilities across the country.”
“EPA’s updating its standards for lead dust on floors and windowsills in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities is an important advance,” said Secretary Carson. “We will use this new rule in updating the lead safety requirements for the pre-1978 housing we assist.”
Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. In 2001, EPA set standards for lead in dust for floors and window sills in housing, however since that time, the best available science has evolved to indicate human health effects at lower blood lead levels than previously analyzed.
To protect children’s health and to continue making progress on this important issue, EPA is lowering the dust-lead hazard standards from 40 micrograms of lead per square foot (µg/ft2) to 10 µg/ft2 on floors and from 250 µg/ft2 to 100 µg/ft2 on window sills. The more protective dust-lead hazard standards will apply to inspections, risk assessments, and abatement activities in pre-1978 housing and certain schools, child care facilities and hospitals across the country.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and life-long health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
The rule will become effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.
A link to this final rule and to learn more: https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazard-standards-lead-paint-dust-and-soil-tsca-section-403
Learn more about the lead-based paint program: https://www.epa.gov/lead
Background Reducing childhood lead exposure and addressing associated health impacts is a top priority for EPA. In December 2018 EPA Administrator Wheeler and other Federal Officials produced the Lead Action Plan, a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses, property owners and parents.
EPA continues to work with its federal partners to improve coordinated activities and implement objectives of the Lead Action Plan.
EPA Takes Important Step to Further Protect Children from Exposure to Lead-Contaminated Dust
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler, along with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, announced new, tighter standards for lead in dust on floors and window sills to protect children from the harmful effects of lead exposure.
“EPA is delivering on our commitment in the Trump Administration’s Federal Lead Action Plan to take important steps to reduce childhood lead exposure,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “Today’s final rule is the first time in nearly two decades EPA is issuing a stronger, more protective standard for lead dust in homes and child care facilities across the country.”
“EPA’s updating its standards for lead dust on floors and windowsills in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities is an important advance,” said Secretary Carson. “We will use this new rule in updating the lead safety requirements for the pre-1978 housing we assist.”
Since the 1970s, the United States has made tremendous progress in lowering children’s blood lead levels. In 2001, EPA set standards for lead in dust for floors and window sills in housing, however since that time, the best available science has evolved to indicate human health effects at lower blood lead levels than previously analyzed.
To protect children’s health and to continue making progress on this important issue, EPA is lowering the dust-lead hazard standards from 40 micrograms of lead per square foot (µg/ft2) to 10 µg/ft2 on floors and from 250 µg/ft2 to 100 µg/ft2 on window sills. The more protective dust-lead hazard standards will apply to inspections, risk assessments, and abatement activities in pre-1978 housing and certain schools, child care facilities and hospitals across the country.
Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. They can be exposed from multiple sources and may experience irreversible and life-long health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.
The rule will become effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register.
A link to this final rule and to learn more: https://www.epa.gov/lead/hazard-standards-lead-paint-dust-and-soil-tsca-section-403
Learn more about the lead-based paint program: https://www.epa.gov/lead
Background Reducing childhood lead exposure and addressing associated health impacts is a top priority for EPA. In December 2018 EPA Administrator Wheeler and other Federal Officials produced the Lead Action Plan, a blueprint for reducing lead exposure and associated harms by working with a range of stakeholders, including states, tribes and local communities, along with businesses, property owners and parents.
EPA continues to work with its federal partners to improve coordinated activities and implement objectives of the Lead Action Plan.
November 28, 2018
EPA settles with West Chester contractor for lead 'lead safe' violations
PHILADELPHIA—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced that Chapman Windows and Doors of West Chester, Pennsylvania will pay a $17,500 penalty to resolve alleged violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
for more click here
EPA settles with West Chester contractor for lead 'lead safe' violations
PHILADELPHIA—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wednesday announced that Chapman Windows and Doors of West Chester, Pennsylvania will pay a $17,500 penalty to resolve alleged violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
for more click here
October 25, 2018
EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced 140 federal enforcement actions completed over the last year to ensure that entities like renovation contractors, landlords, property managers, realtors and others comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead-based paint. Exposure to lead dust, chips or debris from lead-based paint can pose serious risks to human health, particularly for young children.
“EPA’s work to enforce federal lead paint laws helps protect communities across the country,” said EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine. “These cases also hold violators accountable for their actions and help maintain a level playing field for companies that follow the rules.”
for more click HERE
EPA Enforcement Actions Help Protect Vulnerable Communities from Lead-Based Paint Health Hazards
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced 140 federal enforcement actions completed over the last year to ensure that entities like renovation contractors, landlords, property managers, realtors and others comply with rules that protect the public from exposure to lead from lead-based paint. Exposure to lead dust, chips or debris from lead-based paint can pose serious risks to human health, particularly for young children.
“EPA’s work to enforce federal lead paint laws helps protect communities across the country,” said EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Assistant Administrator Susan Bodine. “These cases also hold violators accountable for their actions and help maintain a level playing field for companies that follow the rules.”
for more click HERE
July 30, 2018
Introducing NCHH's State Healthy Housing Fact Sheets: EPA Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, & Nebraska)
Throughout 2018, we’re posting highlights of our state fact sheets by EPA region, one region per month. In July, we’re looking at EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Noted facts from these states include:
Read more here
Introducing NCHH's State Healthy Housing Fact Sheets: EPA Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, & Nebraska)
Throughout 2018, we’re posting highlights of our state fact sheets by EPA region, one region per month. In July, we’re looking at EPA Region 7, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
Noted facts from these states include:
- In 2015, 3,309 children in Missouri and 344 children in Nebraska tested with an elevated blood lead level (5 µg/dL or more). In 2011, 30,863 children in Iowa and 1,834 children in Kansas tested above the same level.*
Read more here
April 30, 2018 - May 3, 2018
The 2018 National Lead and Healthy Housing Conference & HUD Program Manager’s School
Monday, April 30 – Thursday, May 3, 2018
Omaha Hilton, Omaha, NE
More Information
________________________________
March 07, 2018
Lead from the workplace puts children at risk. Twelve federal agencies, including the Department of Labor, are participating in the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks to Children. The Task Force is currently developing a draft strategy on reducing childhood lead exposure. On February 16, 2018, several cabinet heads met to outline the draft strategy. Since childhood lead exposure can occur when a worker who is exposed to it on the job unknowingly carries it home to his or her family, OSHA will play a significant role in the task force.
More Information
________________________________
February 22, 2018
Mum's the word on high level "war on lead" summit
With fanfare, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt convened top officials from across the government last week to discuss a coordinated federal effort to combat lead poisoning.
What did they do? Hard to say.
Multiple EPA staffers who work on lead issues and officials from other agencies whose work is related to the health risks of the potent neurotoxin say they know little about last Thursday's meeting of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. And aides who normally attend meetings of the task force say they weren't invited.
More information
________________________________
February 5, 2018
On Monday, EPA Administrator Pruitt issued a press release announcing his
invitation to 16 agency heads to a meeting of the President’s Task Force
on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The meeting will be Thursday,
February 15, 2018 from 2 to 3 at EPA's offices.
More Information
________________________________
The 2018 National Lead and Healthy Housing Conference & HUD Program Manager’s School
Monday, April 30 – Thursday, May 3, 2018
Omaha Hilton, Omaha, NE
More Information
________________________________
March 07, 2018
Lead from the workplace puts children at risk. Twelve federal agencies, including the Department of Labor, are participating in the President’s Task Force on Environmental Health Risks to Children. The Task Force is currently developing a draft strategy on reducing childhood lead exposure. On February 16, 2018, several cabinet heads met to outline the draft strategy. Since childhood lead exposure can occur when a worker who is exposed to it on the job unknowingly carries it home to his or her family, OSHA will play a significant role in the task force.
More Information
________________________________
February 22, 2018
Mum's the word on high level "war on lead" summit
With fanfare, U.S. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt convened top officials from across the government last week to discuss a coordinated federal effort to combat lead poisoning.
What did they do? Hard to say.
Multiple EPA staffers who work on lead issues and officials from other agencies whose work is related to the health risks of the potent neurotoxin say they know little about last Thursday's meeting of the President's Task Force on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks to Children. And aides who normally attend meetings of the task force say they weren't invited.
More information
________________________________
February 5, 2018
On Monday, EPA Administrator Pruitt issued a press release announcing his
invitation to 16 agency heads to a meeting of the President’s Task Force
on Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks. The meeting will be Thursday,
February 15, 2018 from 2 to 3 at EPA's offices.
More Information
________________________________