House Depot to fork out $20M high-quality for not adhering to property renovation procedures

WASHINGTON — Property Depot will also pay out a $20.75 million penalty, the highest civil penalty acquired to date for a settlement below the Harmful Substances Management Act, for not adhering to utilizing direct-secure techniques for the duration of dwelling renovations.

The recent settlement will also have to have the house advancement retailer to make absolutely sure their employed contractors are accredited and trained to use direct-protected do the job methods to keep away from spreading lead dust and paint chips in the course of renovations of households built ahead of 1978.

The U.S. Environmental Safety Company investigated five shopper complaints in Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, which confirmed Home Depot subcontracted get the job done to corporations that, in some scenarios, did not use direct-protected get the job done procedures, accomplish required put up-renovation cleaning, provide the EPA-required lead-primarily based paint pamphlets to occupants, or preserve information of compliance with the law.  

The settlement also necessitates House Depot to present information and facts about guide-protected get the job done practices to its expert and do-it-you prospects in its retailers, on its web-site, on YouTube, and in workshops.

Residential direct-based paint use was banned in 1978 but nonetheless remains in many more mature residences and flats across the region. Lead dust hazards can take place when guide paint is disrupted for the duration of household renovations.

Direct exposure can cause a multitude of well being challenges, from behavioral ailments and studying disabilities to seizures and death, placing younger small children at the biggest hazard because their anxious programs are continue to developing.

Click Right here to make a grievance about direct safe and sound get the job done exercise violations.