The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice have reached a $10,000 settlement with Homeworks Construction Inc. over alleged lead paint violations in South Bend, Indiana. The company was accused of carrying out renovations on 17 homes built before 1978 without following federal rules aimed at preventing lead exposure.
Since 2018, Homeworks Construction was said to have neglected safety steps required under the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program. These rules exist to protect people, especially children, from harmful lead dust that can come from disturbing old paint during renovations. Lead exposure can cause serious and lasting health problems, particularly for kids.
To fix the issue, Homeworks Construction has now acquired the proper RRP certification and confirmed that it is following all current regulations. The rules require companies to train their workers on safe renovation methods, keep detailed records, and inform homeowners about the risks of lead dust during repairs.
Lead dust often comes from activities like installing windows, scraping old paint, or tearing down painted surfaces. Since homes built before 1978 commonly used lead-based paint, following these safety rules is critical for preventing health hazards.
This settlement highlights the ongoing importance of lead safety in home repairs and the EPA’s commitment to enforcing these protections. Homeowners and contractors alike should stay aware of the rules to keep families safe during renovations.