SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — Clearview Home Improvements Inc. has been fined $58,450 for allegedly failing to comply with the federal Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule while working at seven residential properties in Southern California, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced.
The company allegedly conducted renovation work at pre-1978 homes and failed to confirm that a certified renovator was assigned to the job, keep records to show the renovator complied to lead-safety rules, maintain proper RRP certifications and provide clients with the required federal Renovate Right brochure.
“While renovations can make homes energy efficient, it is crucial to protect residents from the hazards of lead paint dust,” said Alexis Strauss, EPA’s acting regional administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “Lead-based paint is the main source of lead poisoning for children, and even low levels of lead in their blood can cause irreversible harm.”
The RRP Rule exists to protect the general public from hazards related to lead-based paint. This type of paint was used prior to 1978 in many residential and commercial properties. Lead-contaminated dust can be ingested or inhaled. Renovation work can often lead to dust that then settles on home surfaces. Children, families and construction workers can be poisoned. It is therefore necessary to enforce regulations on how companies deal with properties that used lead paint.