ST. LOUIS (AP) — A St. Louis business has agreed to pay a $23,000 civil penalty to settle claims of failing to take precautions with lead-based paint.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Groeller Painting Inc. also failed to notify residents about lead-based paint risks before the renovation of a multifamily property built before 1978.
Lead paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978, but can be found in some older homes.
When young children breathe in or swallow lead, it can lead to physical and mental delays, lower intelligence, shorter attention spans and behavioral problems. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure and damage to the nervous system and stomach.
An EPA rule that took effect in 2010 increased the requirements for contractors on projects that disturb lead-based paint.
