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EPA cites Wisconsin landlord for lead-based paint violations; penalty $596 plus window replacement

Release Date: 11/07/2006
Contact Information: Karen Thompson, (312) 353-8547, thompson.karen@epa.gov

CHICAGO (Nov. 7, 2006) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has settled with David and Monica Stern for allegedly failing to warn tenants of an apartment building that their homes may contain lead-based paint hazards. The building owners will pay a $596 penalty and replace 18 windows at the 3843 N. Morris Blvd., Shorewood, Wis., property.

The Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule requires that landlords and sellers of housing constructed prior to 1978 provide tenants and buyers with general and property-specific lead-hazard information and include a lease or contract clause to confirm that prospective tenants or buyers have 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 your family from lead-based paint see https://www.epa.gov/lead/.