Lead paint was banned for residential use in 1978 however stays current in thousands and thousands of properties in California and all properties constructed earlier than that point are presumed to comprise lead. (Photograph Santa Clara County web site)
The U.S. Environmental Safety Company introduced a settlement Monday with GB Group, a Gilroy-based building and portray contractor, after the agency allegedly failed to guard the general public from being uncovered to steer.
GB Group is accused of not offering the EPA’s “Renovate Proper” pamphlet on lead hazard data to householders and occupants throughout renovation work at residential properties in Oakland and San Francisco, failing to assign an authorized renovator to every renovation, not following lead-safe practices and failing to create and preserve information. The agency pays $137,804 in civil penalties.
“Renovating older properties can expose residents and staff to hazardous lead-based paint and dirt,” EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Martha Guzman stated in an announcement. “Lead publicity has been a longstanding impediment to advancing environmental justice, as many individuals of shade and low-income residents stay in communities which might be overburdened by lead-based paint.”
Representatives of the GB Group couldn’t instantly be reached for remark.
Being uncovered to steer throughout childhood may end up in slowed progress, listening to, behavioral and studying issues and diminished IQ. The federal authorities banned using lead-based paint in residential buildings in 1978, however it’s nonetheless current in older properties, underneath new paint.
The EPA stated it created the Renovation, Restore and Portray Rule to guard individuals from lead-paint hazards throughout transforming and restore in properties. Folks performing renovations at residences are required to be skilled, licensed and “observe lead-safe work practices,” in keeping with the company.