The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week announced settlements with two Denver-area contractors as part of an ongoing initiative to protect residents of northeast Denver communities from toxic lead paint hazards during home renovations.

Solid Ground Homes LLC has agreed to pay a penalty of $18,000 to resolve allegations the firm performed a renovation on a pre-1978 home in northeast Denver without being EPA lead-safe certified and without performing several lead-safe work practices required by the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule). These requirements prevent and minimize the release of lead-contaminated dust and debris.

The second settlement alleges that Lime Painting LLC performed exterior paint removal on a pre-1978 home in northeast Denver using prohibited power sanding and grinding operations without being an EPA lead-safe certified firm and without following lead-safe work practices. The firm has agreed to a penalty of $19,950 to settle the alleged violations. Both Solid Ground Homes and Lime Painting have since secured lead-safe firm certification.

The RRP Rule protects the public from toxic lead hazards created by renovation activities involving lead-based paint and requires the certification of individuals and firms involved in these activities. Contractors working on homes built prior to 1978 must test for lead in paint, or presume lead is present, and apply applicable lead-safe work practices to minimize the risk of exposure to lead.

Despite its ban from use in 1978, EPA estimates that lead-based paint is still present in more than 30 million homes in the U.S. When lead paint is disturbed during home renovations, proper work practices prevent toxic lead exposure to the home’s occupants. Infants, children, and pregnant women are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure, which can, even at low levels, cause lifelong impacts such as developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity and behavioral problems.