Two residnetial building owners in the state of Rhode Island will have to pay a fine of close to fourteen thousand dollars after being cited by the regional division of the United State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating federal and state disclosure laws concerning lead paint.

Donald Ciotola and Carol Simeone, the landlords in question, were charged with violating the US Toxic Substance Control Act because they did not notify tenants in the buildings they owned and managed about the potential dangers of the pre-exisiting lead-paint that is used throughout the building.

Lead paint poisoning is a serious public health concern throughout the state due to ageing multi-family housing. Children and infants are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, which has been shown to low intelligence, create learning disabilities and behavior problems. Adults who are repeatedly exposed to high lead levels can develop memory and nerve disorders in addition to muscular and joint pain.

The purpose of the laws is to make sure prospective renters have sufficient information about lead poisoning dangers in housing that has not been cleared of lead paint in order to make a reasonable decision of their safety and the safety of family members.

WasteCare Wants You to Remember: If you’re a building owner or property manager, it’s your responsibility to understand the laws about lead paint. If you cannot sufficiently eliminate the problem by construction, re-modeling, and removal of the toxic substance, then you must inform potential renters. Failure to do so can land you in hot water!