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EPA cites Indianapolis landlord for lead-based paint violations; $52,724 penalty proposed

Release Date: 12/20/2006
Contact Information: CONTACT: Karen Thompson, (312) 353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. 06-OPA236

CHICAGO (Dec. 20, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has filed a 54-count complaint against Frank Davis of Indianapolis, Ind., for failing to warn tenants or buyers of 10 houses and apartment buildings that their homes may contain lead-based paint hazards. A $52,724 penalty has been proposed.

Davis rents, owns and has sold residential buildings in Indianapolis including those located at the following addresses: 1838 Brookside Ave., 2822 English Ave., 3780 North Parker, 2039 Roosevelt Ave., 402 S. Rural, 815 N. Rural, 725 N. Sherman Drive, 2518 N. Temple Ave., 4506 E. Washington and 2140 E. 34th St.

The federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule requires landlords and sellers of housing constructed prior to 1978 to provide tenants and buyers with both general and property-specific lead-paint hazard information. The rule also requires landlords and sellers to include in each lease or sales contract a clause confirming the prospective tenant or buyer has received the lead warnings prior to signing the contract to lease or purchase.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays, reduced height, poor hearing and a host of other health problems in young children. Peeling lead paint is the most common source of lead exposure to children in the United States. About 75 percent of the nation's housing built before 1978 contains lead-based paint. When properly managed, lead-based paint poses little risk. If paint is not maintained, however, even low levels of lead exposure can threaten occupants' health, especially children and pregnant women. For more information about protecting families from lead-based paint see https://www.epa.gov/lead/.