United States home improvement company Lowe’s will pay a US$12.5 million (A$19.35 million) civil fine to resolve U.S. government allegations that contractors hired by the company failed to take appropriate safety measures when renovating homes containing lead paint.
The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said the violations occurred between 2019 and 2021 and affected home renovations in 23 U.S. states, violating the EPA’s Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule and a 2014 consent decree.
“Careless handling of lead paint endangers the health of children and other Americans. The stiff penalty Lowe’s will pay reflects the importance of using certified firms and contractors in older home renovations,” Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) said.
Lowe’s denied wrongdoing in agreeing to Tuesday’s settlement, which includes a new consent decree.
Residential lead-based paint use was banned in 1978, and firms renovating older homes must use certified firms and renovators to minimise residents' potential exposure to lead paint chips and dust.
Lowe’s allegedly failed to warn the resident about the risks of lead paint before working, did not use certified renovators and lead-safe work practices, failed to contain dust and cover windows and did not use plastic sheeting to catch exterior dust and paint chips.
The settlement also requires the company to improve its compliance program for renovated homes that may contain lead-based paint.
