News Releases from Region 07

EPA Reaches Settlement with Kansas City Renovator for Alleged Lead-Based Paint Violations

09/14/2020

Contact Information:

David W. Bryan, APR (bryan.david@epa.gov)

913-551-7433

(Lenexa, Kan., Sept. 14, 2020) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reached a settlement with Del Properties for alleged violations of lead-based paint regulations under the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. The company renovates and manages commercial and residential properties in the Kansas City area, specializing in converting historic properties into loft apartments and offices. EPA alleges that Del Properties failed to notify tenants of potential lead-based paint hazards and failed to comply with required work safety practices while renovating properties.

Under the terms of the settlement, which was filed with EPA on Aug. 26, 2020, Del Properties agreed to pay a $14,424 civil penalty and certified that it is in compliance with the law.

Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes built prior to 1978 is one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead 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 lifelong health effects. Lead dust can be generated when lead-based paint deteriorates or is disturbed.

Lessors of pre-1978 housing are required by federal law to comply with notification requirements, including issuing pamphlets warning tenants of possible lead-based paint and disclosure of known lead hazards.

“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. “Renovators play a key role in ensuring lead safety by informing residents of potential exposure and complying with safety practices.”

About 3.6 million American households have children under 6 years old who live in homes with lead exposure hazards. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 500,000 American children ages 1 to 5 have blood lead levels at or above the CDC blood lead reference value (the level at which the CDC recommends public health actions begin).

Please visit these EPA websites for additional lead-based paint information:

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