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# pbfreeohio

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## Posts

- [Protecting Our Children From Lead](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/19/protecting-our-children-from-lead/) - The CDC recently revised its blood reference value for lead in children. Will this result in better protection of children from the adverse health effects of lead? Image courtesy of Thester11 on Wikimedia A recent article, “A new, lower threshold for lead poisoning in children means more kids will get tested – but the ultimate solution
- [Third R.I. landlord sued as AG Neronha pursues lead-paint violators](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/20/third-r-i-landlord-sued-as-ag-neronha-pursues-lead-paint-violators/) - By Mary Serreze – Reporter, Providence Business Journal Nov 9, 2021 Updated Nov 10, 2021, 3:12pm EST Two local landlords and a real estate investment trust allegedly ignored repeated orders to clean up lead paint at their rental properties in Providence and Cranston — despite the fact that children living in the homes had tested positive for elevated blood lead
- [Lead Problems Persist in Cleveland Area Homes](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/20/lead-problems-persist-in-cleveland-area-homes/) - https://youtu.be/Og3A3Pj1tdI
- [Lead poisoning concerns brought to Cleveland City Council in 1st public comment session](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/20/lead-poisoning-concerns-brought-to-cleveland-city-council-in-1st-public-comment-session/) - By Hannah Catlett Published: Oct. 5, 2021 at 9:15 PM EDT CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - Residents are finally allowed to speak at Cleveland City Council meetings. Several citizens who took the podium Monday night voiced a long-standing concern about lead poisoning and its effects on Cleveland kids. 19 Investigates dug deeper to see where the city is
- [Texas A&M Geochemist Identifies Sources Of Lead Poisoning In Children](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/20/texas-am-geochemist-identifies-sources-of-lead-poisoning-in-children/) - Franco Marcantonio has successfully used isotope geochemistry to help find sources of lead poisoning in children with high blood lead levels. By John Sarao, Texas A&M University College of Geosciences NOVEMBER 19, 2021 SHARE Share Tweet 0SHARES Counties across the country have health departments that measure blood lead levels in children. Once children with
- [Building Managers on the Hook for Lead Paint Safety Requirements](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/11/24/building-managers-on-the-hook-for-lead-paint-safety-requirements/) - By Lisa Whitley Coleman, EHS Daily Advisor Nov 23, 2021 Enforcement and Inspection Updated: Nov 23, 2021 Property management companies (PMC) performing or offering to perform regulated renovations without EPA certification in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities will be subject to stronger enforcement and compliance regulations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule in
- [Attorney general sues to vacate day care on Youngstown's South Side for lead concerns](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/09/attorney-general-sues-to-vacate-day-care-on-youngstowns-south-side-for-lead-concerns/) - Dust samples collected during a 2017 inspection had lead levels nearly six to nine times higher than the EPA limit. The tenant began operating a day care there this year. But the lead was never properly removed, according to state records. YOUNGSTOWN — New court action from the Ohio attorney general alleges a South Side
- [We’re Losing IQ Points ”: Lead Poisoning Crisis Among Children in the United States | Children’s Health](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/09/were-losing-iq-points-lead-poisoning-crisis-among-children-in-the-united-states-childrens-health/) - 9-year-old Turokk Dow loves spelling, airplanes and basketball. He is learning to read and write in a third grade classroom. However, at the age of three, he suffers from extreme blood lead poisoning, with lead levels almost ten times higher than EPA’s behavioral levels, significantly exacerbating the already substantial challenges of his young life. As
- [State sues over lead risks at South Side home](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/11/state-sues-over-lead-risks-at-south-side-home/) - YOUNGSTOWN — The Ohio Department of Health has sued BSA Construction of Youngstown and its owner, Brian Benson of Parkwood Avenue, over lead-poisoning dangers involving a home at 356 E. Judson Ave. on the South Side. It’s been home to Big Momma Childcare, a 24-hour family child-care facility, since April. The day care is not
- [Ohio children found to outpace nation in elevated blood lead level](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/12/ohio-children-found-to-outpace-nation-in-elevated-blood-lead-level/) - Stay-at-home orders triggered by the deadly COVID-19 pandemic caused children who live in older homes across the country — including Clark and Champaign counties — to be exposed even more to lead poisoning last year. The lockdown also prevented thousands of young people locally and nationwide from being screened for the toxic metal, and an
- [Cleveland gets $5 million to abate lead paint as part of broader fight against lead contamination](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/16/cleveland-gets-5-million-to-abate-lead-paint-as-part-of-broader-fight-against-lead-contamination/) - WASHINGTON, D. C. - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Thursday announced that it’s awarding Cleveland a $5 million grant to be used for identifying and cleaning up lead paint in 240 low income families’ homes, as well as a $700,000 grant to help abate other hazards in 175 homes. The Cleveland
- [Remarks by Vice President Harris on the Biden-⁠Harris Lead Pipe and Paint Action Plan](https://pbfreeohio.com/2021/12/17/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-on-the-biden-⁠harris-lead-pipe-and-paint-action-plan/) - THE VICE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Good morning. Have a seat. Have a seat. Good morning. Ms. Jackson, I want to thank you. Your leadership is so inspiring, and the whole group of women and men and the community leaders that — that really have been a voice on these issues for so long. For so
- [Ask The Pediatrician: What Can Parents Do To Prevent Exposure To Lead?](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/11/ask-the-pediatrician-what-can-parents-do-to-prevent-exposure-to-lead/) - Q: What can I do to protect my family from lead exposure? Should I have my children tested? A: Protecting children from exposure to lead is important to lifelong good health. Even low levels of lead in the blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention and academic achievement. The most important
- [Removing Lead Paint: DIY or Hire a Contractor?](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/11/removing-lead-paint-diy-or-hire-a-contractor/) - https://youtu.be/A4VnKctPvok
- [Northeast Ohio gets more than $3 million from feds to abate lead paint and other health hazards in low-income households](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/12/northeast-ohio-gets-more-than-3-million-from-feds-to-abate-lead-paint-and-other-health-hazards-in-low-income-households/) - WASHINGTON, D. C. -- The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Wednesday awarded 60 non-profit organizations and government agencies in 29 states over $104 million in grants for use in abating health hazards such as lead paint. Money from HUD’s “Healthy Homes Production Grant Program” will help grantees find and remedy health and
- [MAJOR NEWS! Cleveland Clinic makes a $50M commitment to the plan!](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/13/major-news-cleveland-clinic-makes-a-50m-commitment-to-the-plan/) - Cleveland Clinic and the City of Cleveland today announce a partnership that will add more than $67 Million toward the effort to make Cleveland Lead Safe. https://www.dropbox.com/s/8hatbz520k5t4v0/2022-01-13-joint-news-release%20%5B52%5D.pdf?dl=0
- [Lead Paint Dangers - Cleveland Clinic](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/20/lead-paint-dangers-cleveland-clinic/) - Once believed to be a great innovation, lead paint has turned out to be a huge problem. Lead paint has existed since as early as the fourth century B.C., and it’s been causing health problems ever since. And while the dangers of lead paint have echoed throughout history, we’re still feeling the effects today. Pediatrician Roopa
- [Lead-Based Paint Rule Responsibility Of Property Managers, Affirms EPA](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/25/lead-based-paint-rule-responsibility-of-property-managers-affirms-epa/) - Property management companies that perform, offer, or claim to perform regulated renovations in pre-1978 housing or child-occupied facilities are required to obtain certification from the EPA and ensure renovations are performed by certified firms and employees. January 24, 2022 On January 21, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will proceed on March
- [EPA Affirms its Intention to Hold Property Management Companies Responsible for Lead-Based Paint Safety Requirements for Renovations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/28/epa-affirms-its-intention-to-hold-property-management-companies-responsible-for-lead-based-paint-safety-requirements-for-renovations/) - Property management companies (PMC) need to pay attention to a recent change in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) enforcement discretion concerning liability from renovations that could encounter lead-based paint. EPA has announced a change to its enforcement priorities for the Lead Renovation Repair and Paintings (RRP) Rule, which applies to renovations, repairs, or painting
- [United Way to serve as steward for funds tackling lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/01/29/united-way-to-serve-as-steward-for-funds-tackling-lead-poisoning/) - The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition will receive $67 million from the Cleveland Clinic and the city of Cleveland, with the clinic selecting United Way of Greater Cleveland as the steward for its investment. The Cleveland Clinic is dedicating $50 million over five years to the Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition. Pending council approval, the city will
- [Syracuse lead ordinance to go into effect in 2022](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/02/01/syracuse-lead-ordinance-to-go-into-effect-in-2022/) - 2022 is the year that Syracuse’s lead ordinance finally goes into effect after being passed in the summer of 2020 by the common council. Syracuse’s Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development, Michael Collins, said now that this will make it much easier to remediate lead in the city’s old housing stock. “What the lead ordinance
- [EPA fines company for RRP violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/02/10/epa-fines-company-for-rrp-violations/) - 02/04/2022 The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and A1 Asbestos LLC (“A1”) entered into a January 5th Expedited Settlement Agreement and Final Order (“ESA”) addressing alleged violations of: . . . the Washington Administrative Code (“WAC”) Title 365 applies to renovations performed for compensation in target housing as specified in WAC, Chapter 365-230. See
- [Attorney General Ellison sues HavenBrook Homes, one of the largest landlords in Minnesota, for failing to repair rental homes, violating law](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/02/16/attorney-general-ellison-sues-havenbrook-homes-one-of-the-largest-landlords-in-minnesota-for-failing-to-repair-rental-homes-violating-law/) - Lawsuit alleges hedge fund-owned mega-landlord failed to repair and maintain rental homes that lacked heat, had backed-up sewers, doors and windows that would not close, mold, even wild animals — and when it did, violated Minnesota’s lead-paint rules First AG lawsuit of its kind in US February 10, 2022 (SAINT PAUL) — Minnesota Attorney General Keith
- [A Simple Model Predicts Household Lead Exposure Risk](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/01/a-simple-model-predicts-household-lead-exposure-risk/) - Using both sample data and crowdsourced science, a new model effectively identified houses at risk for higher concentrations of lead. By Alexandra K. Scammell28 February 2022 PRINT Source: GeoHealth Although it is a naturally occurring metal, lead can be toxic to humans, especially children. Since 1978, lead has been phased out of many products in the United States
- [Buffalo landlord accused of exposing tenants to unsafe levels of lead](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/09/buffalo-landlord-accused-of-exposing-tenants-to-unsafe-levels-of-lead/) - https://www.wkbw.com/news/local-news/buffalo-landlord-accused-of-exposing-tenants-to-unsafe-levels-of-lead By: Anthony Reyes Posted at 1:02 PM, Mar 08, 2022 and last updated 1:03 PM, Mar 08, 2022 BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Buffalo landlord is accused of exposing tenants to unsafe levels of lead. The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced 53-year-old MD J. Abedin was arraigned this morning in Buffalo City Court on one count
- [South Buffalo Landlord Arraigned on Misdemeanor for Exposing Tenants to Unsafe Levels of Lead](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/09/south-buffalo-landlord-arraigned-on-misdemeanor-for-exposing-tenants-to-unsafe-levels-of-lead/) - Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that his office has filed a misdemeanor charge, under public health law, against a landlord who is accused of continuing to rent a residential property in violation of an order by the Erie County Department of Health after a child tenant tested positive for lead exposure. This
- [Study: Half of adults in U.S. live with legacy of childhood lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/09/study-half-of-adults-in-u-s-live-with-legacy-of-childhood-lead-poisoning/) - While leaded gasoline has been banned in the U.S. since 1996, researchers say that nearly half of all Americans born before that year may have a lower IQ and higher risk for health conditions as a result of high lead exposure. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo If you were born before 1996,
- [Property Manager Pleads Guilty For His Role In The Failure To Properly Notify Tenants About Lead Hazards](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/10/property-manager-pleads-guilty-for-his-role-in-the-failure-to-properly-notify-tenants-about-lead-hazards/) - Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of New York FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, March 9, 2022 Property Manager Pleads Guilty For His Role In The Failure To Properly Notify Tenants About Lead Hazards CONTACT: Barbara Burns PHONE: (716) 843-5817 FAX #: (716) 551-3051 BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced today that Paul Richard
- [RI attorney general sues 4 landlords over lead hazards](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/12/ri-attorney-general-sues-4-landlords-over-lead-hazards/) - PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Four Rhode Island landlords who own properties in which children with lead poisoning live have been sued by the state for alleged noncompliance with state lead poisoning prevention laws, the attorney general’s office said Friday. Significant lead hazards were found at all four sites in Providence, according to a statement from
- [Much work remains to ensure Cleveland rentals are safe from lead paint](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/14/much-work-remains-to-ensure-cleveland-rentals-are-safe-from-lead-paint/) - Michelle Fenn runs a small cotton swab against the side of a garage in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood. She’s testing for lead; the garage’s coat of paint is chipped, leaving the ground dusted with white flakes. Fenn is a real estate agent, property manager and lead inspector. She’s part of a small private industry of
- [Lead Poisoning in Bay Area Kids](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/26/lead-poisoning-in-bay-area-kids/) - Alumna’s research shines light on excessive lead levels in city neighborhoods By Kanaga Rajan Friday, March 25, 2022 Bayview, San Francisco SF State alumna Chinomnso Okorie is using community-engaged research to fight health disparities in her hometown The 2019 film “The Last Black Man in San Francisco” opens with a young Black girl happily skipping
- [How 2 Industries Stymied Justice for Young Lead Paint Victims](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/03/30/how-2-industries-stymied-justice-for-young-lead-paint-victims/) - To read this story direct from the NYT click here. The U.S. insurance and real estate industries have waged a decades-long campaign to avoid liability in lead cases, helping to prolong an epidemic. The cost for millions of children has been incalculable. By Ellen Gabler March 29, 2022 When Selena Wiley signed the lease for
- [Lead-ing into Uncertainty: EPA Signals a Confusing New Enforcement Strategy Against Property Management Companies Under the RRP Rule](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/01/lead-ing-into-uncertainty-epa-signals-a-confusing-new-enforcement-strategy-against-property-management-companies-under-the-rrp-rule/) - Effective March 21, 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) has withdrawn from its website two questions and the Agency’s answers (FQs) related to Property Management Companies’ (PMC) obligations under the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule (RRP Rule or Rule). EPA’s intent to withdraw these FQs was announced on November 4,
- [Ex-Sunbury landlord admits violating EPA rule on lead-based paint](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/01/ex-sunbury-landlord-admits-violating-epa-rule-on-lead-based-paint/) - By John Beauge | Special to PennLive WILLIAMSPORT – A former landlord in Sunbury has admitted violating a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulation he did not know existed. Dennis Morgan, 75, pleaded guilty Thursday in U.S. Middle District Court to a charge of failure to provide a pamphlet on the hazards of lead-based paint in
- [Insurers Found Liable for $101 Million Payment into Lead Paint Abatement Fund](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/04/insurers-found-liable-for-101-million-payment-into-lead-paint-abatement-fund/) - Taking a calculated risk by selling a hazardous product isn’t the same as intentionally causing harm. For that reason, insurers must cover a court judgment that requires the company that sold Dutch Boy lead paint to pay $101 million into a California abatement fund, a New York appellate court ruled on March 24. The 1st
- [As case proceeded without him, landlord sold houses where 29 children suffered lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/10/as-case-proceeded-without-him-landlord-sold-houses-where-29-children-suffered-lead-poisoning/) - For the couple of years that Kern Khan has lived in Angel Dalfin's rental property, he has been treated the same way Dalfin has responded to judges, prosecutors and lead-based paint inspectors: ignored. No one's tried to collect rent in over a year at the home on the 900 block of Northampton Street. Half of
- [HGTV’s ‘Good Bones’ Settles US EPA Action, Accepts $40K Fines For Lead Paint Violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/10/hgtvs-good-bones-settles-us-epa-action-accepts-40k-fines-for-lead-paint-violations/) - The stars of HGTV’s popular Good Bones renovation series have been ordered to get the lead out. The US Environmental Protection Agency said Friday that it had reached a settlement with” Two Chicks and a Hammer, Inc.”— the company founded by mother-daughter duo Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk. The settlement indicates they allegedly violated a federal lead paint
- [Known To Be Toxic for a Century, Lead Still Poisons Thousands of Midwestern Kids](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/13/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids-2/) - click here for the story.
- [Can greenspaces mitigate lead exposure? A new study aims to find out](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/04/21/can-greenspaces-mitigate-lead-exposure-a-new-study-aims-to-find-out/) - What was once an abandoned lot on Indianapolis’ Far Eastside is now home to newly planted trees, vegetable beds and walking paths. The rehabbed lot is part of a pilot project and research study to determine if transforming these spaces can mitigate lead exposure. The study, led by researchers at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis,
- [Known to be toxic for a century, lead still poisons thousands of Midwestern kids](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/02/known-to-be-toxic-for-a-century-lead-still-poisons-thousands-of-midwestern-kids/) - When the pediatrician recommended Lisa Pascoe have her then-toddler tested for lead poisoning, she thought there was no way he could be at risk. Everything in her St. Louis, Mo., home had been remodeled. But then the nurse called to say her son's blood lead level was dangerously high — five times the level federal
- [An Estimated 85,000 Occupied Housing Units In Baltimore Have ‘Dangerous Lead Hazards,’ Report Says](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/05/an-estimated-85000-occupied-housing-units-in-baltimore-have-dangerous-lead-hazards-report-says/) - There are an estimated 85,087 occupied housing units in Baltimore with “dangerous lead hazards” — and the total price tag for lead abatement work on those units could be between $2.5 billion and $4.2 billion, according to a recent report from the Abell Foundation. Lead hazard control for all of those units, which the report describes as
- [Avoiding Lead Paint Renovation Fines](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/05/avoiding-lead-paint-renovation-fines/) - The EPA is serious about compliance, especially when it comes to home renovations containing lead-based paint. The Agency recently reached settlements with multiple home renovation companies, including several that are featured on popular HGTV shows. Collectively, these companies have been fined approximately $149,000. The HGTV television shows are regularly viewed by more than 3 million households,
- [Real estate’s lead-based paint epidemic — decades of damage reaches a boiling point](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/10/real-estates-lead-based-paint-epidemic-decades-of-damage-reaches-a-boiling-point/) - Duty to disclose lead-based paint hazards Homebuyers look to property managers and real estate professionals to disclose any hazards within a property. And yet, the lead-based paint pandemic continues here in California and across the nation — is the disclosure system broken? In 1978, the federal government banned lead-based paint for residential use. Today, lead-based paint remains
- [Mitigating Childhood Lead Exposure and Disparities: Medicaid and Other Federal Initiatives](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/20/mitigating-childhood-lead-exposure-and-disparities-medicaid-and-other-federal-initiatives/) - Introduction Lead exposure has well-documented long-term health and developmental impacts for children. As evidenced by the Flint Michigan water crisis, one way people may be exposed to lead is through water service lines, but exposure may also occur through other sources of lead in homes and neighborhoods. Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- [Cleveland City Council approves spending $17 million for lead safety in homes: Stimulus Watch](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/05/24/cleveland-city-council-approves-spending-17-million-for-lead-safety-in-homes-stimulus-watch/) - CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland is one step closer to making homes throught the city safe from toxic lead. City Council on Monday night approved chipping in $17 million in American Rescue Plan Act money make homes lead-safe. Lead causes sickness, behavioral issues kidney and brain damage in exposed children. “We’re talking about our kids and our
- [Syracuse landlord shut down for lead paint violations, must pay $215k in deal with AG](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/06/13/syracuse-landlord-shut-down-for-lead-paint-violations-must-pay-215k-in-deal-with-ag/) - SYRACUSE, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Letitia James has announced an agreement resolving her lawsuit against Syracuse landlord John Kiggins and his company, Endzone Properties, Inc. for failing to protect children from lead paint hazards in Syracuse. The attorney general’s lawsuit, filed in October 2021, alleged that Kiggins and Endzone endangered the health of its tenants,
- [Money begins to come in for local governments to address lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/06/14/money-begins-to-come-in-for-local-governments-to-address-lead-poisoning/) - For decades, city leaders in Cleveland have tried to take action to deal with the complex problem of childhood lead poisoning — mostly from lead paint in the housing stock and not as much from water pipes — and have viewed any potential solutions as complex and expensive. Back in 2019, Cleveland Councilman Blaine Griffin
- [Pawtucket apartment complex owner fined $25K for violating lead paint guidelines](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/07/11/pawtucket-apartment-complex-owner-fined-25k-for-violating-lead-paint-guidelines/) - PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The United States Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday that the owner of a Pawtucket apartment complex had to pay a $25,000 fine after failing to properly renovate surfaces covered with lead paint. The EPA said that American Wire Residential Lofts was not a Rhode Island Lead Hazard Control licensed firm. The
- [Lead poisoning is a public health crisis. Ohio’s cities should act now: Sterling Shriber and Palak Rath](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/07/11/lead-poisoning-is-a-public-health-crisis-ohios-cities-should-act-now-sterling-shriber-and-palak-rath/) - AKRON, Ohio -- Lead is a poison that too often contaminates many aspects of urban life, inflicting widespread disease and disability. That burden is especially high in the Rust Belt, in cities like Akron and Cleveland, and the effects are felt disproportionately by the poor and marginalized, with children being the most vulnerable. For decades,
- [Fugitive ex-landlord surrenders to face criminal charges of lead paint violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/07/11/fugitive-ex-landlord-surrenders-to-face-criminal-charges-of-lead-paint-violations/) - Afugitive considered by government officials to have been among the worst – if not the worst – rental housing operators in Buffalo surrendered Tuesday at the federal courthouse. Facing criminal charges related to lead-paint violations, Angel Elliot Dalfin made his initial court appearance by participating remotely by videoconference from the U.S. Marshals Service cellblock, according to a
- [When your home is filled with hazards, what can you do?](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/07/13/when-your-home-is-filled-with-hazards-what-can-you-do/) - Poor housing conditions can have an effect on people’s health both mentally and physically by posing a threat to the family or individual living there, especially for young children and babies. The health and wellbeing of residents are impacted especially in areas where there’s both industry and older housing. The older a home gets without
- [RI company to pay 25K fine for LBP violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/07/21/ri-company-to-pay-25k-fine-for-lbp-violations/) - Brady Sullivan to pay $25,000 penalty for lead violations at Rhode Island property EPA hits Manchester company for unlicensed work at Pawtucket mill renovation Manchester-based Brady Sullivan Properties has agreed to pay a $25,000 penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for lead paint violations at its American Wire Residential Lofts in Pawtucket, R.I.
- [State seeks $5M from 'callous' landlord in lead paint case](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/08/04/state-seeks-5m-from-callous-landlord-in-lead-paint-case/) - A former landlord who once owned or controlled 22 Buffalo homes where 29 children suffered lead poisoning should pay more than $5 million in penalties, restitution and forfeited rent, the state Attorney General's Office told a judge Wednesday. The amount appears to be the largest ever sought from a landlord in a lead-paint violation case
- [Lead Poisoning Plus Systemic Racism Are Harming Black Kids' Test Scores](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/08/17/lead-poisoning-plus-systemic-racism-are-harming-black-kids-test-scores/) - It's well known that exposure to lead can harm young children's brain development. Now a new study suggests that racial segregation may be compounding the detrimental effects of lead on Black children. The study, of close to 26,000 schoolchildren, found that Black children with elevated blood lead levels had worse scores on standardized reading tests. And
- [Study finds link between racial segregation, lead exposure](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/08/23/study-finds-link-between-racial-segregation-lead-exposure/) - Black students in North Carolina were more likely to be exposed to lead in racially segregated neighborhoods — one factors associated with dragging down their test scores in reading. Driving the news: A new study by Duke University researchers, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, included surveys of 25,000 North Carolina fourth graders. But the findings
- [Abatement Isn’t a Piggybank for Nuisance Plaintiffs](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/08/29/abatement-isnt-a-piggybank-for-nuisance-plaintiffs/) - Covington attorneys examine how plaintiff’s attorneys are bringing cases under the public nuisance doctrine to address various social problems, from environmental cleanup to the opioid crisis. They say recent court decisions rejecting sweeping abatement relief may have the effect of narrowing plaintiffs’ claims. In courts across the US, parties are disputing whether the public nuisance
- [EPA fines 22 home renovators and contractors for lead-based paint safety violations in Idaho and Washington](https://pbfreeohio.com/2022/10/25/epa-fines-22-home-renovators-and-contractors-for-lead-based-paint-safety-violations-in-idaho-and-washington/) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region 10 has reached settlements with 22 residential home renovators in Idaho and Washington for violations of federal lead-based paint regulations. EPA’s compliance and enforcement program also conducted 137 inspections of home renovation contractors, the highest number of inspections the region has completed in previous years, half of which were
- [One of Rhode Island’s top ‘slumlords’ receives a Sunday morning wake up call](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/01/16/one-of-rhode-islands-top-slumlords-receives-a-sunday-morning-wake-up-call/) - Uprise RI joined these organizers back in October when they held a rally outside A Pioneer Investments property in West Warwick, Rhode Island. A series of pieces by Amy Russo in the Providence Journal had brought to light the dangerously subpar nature of many of Sureka’s rental properties. The letters from tenants speak of living conditions no person should
- [Toxic pollutants can build up inside our homes. Here are 8 ways to reduce the risks](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/01/30/toxic-pollutants-can-build-up-inside-our-homes-here-are-8-ways-to-reduce-the-risks/) - We know everything in our homes gathers dust. What you probably don’t know is whether there are toxic contaminants in your house dust, and where these might come from. Our newly published research found most of the dust inside homes came from outside and contains potentially toxic trace metals such as lead, arsenic and chromium. Worryingly, we
- [Four out of five rentals have yet to comply as Cleveland’s lead-safe law enters next chapte](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/01/30/four-out-of-five-rentals-have-yet-to-comply-as-clevelands-lead-safe-law-enters-next-chapte/) - CLEVELAND, Ohio – Two years into the city of Cleveland’s efforts to proactively fight child lead-poisoning, roughly 80% of rental units haven’t been certified as lead-safe. Meanwhile, the city has begun testing its landmark 2019 lead law in housing court, issuing a handful of citations to negligent property owners in hopes of finding the right
- [United States Enters Into Consent Decrees With Principals Of CISNE NY Construction, Inc. For Violating Lead Paint Safety Rules](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/03/01/united-states-enters-into-consent-decrees-with-principals-of-cisne-ny-construction-inc-for-violating-lead-paint-safety-rules/) - Defendants Admit Violations and Agree to Injunctive Relief and to Pay Civil Penalties Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Lisa F. Garcia, the Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), announced today that the United States entered into Consent Decrees settling a civil lawsuit against
- [Lead Paint Removal in Chicago Apartments Is a Costly Need](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/03/29/lead-paint-removal-in-chicago-apartments-is-a-costly-need/) - https://www.pbs.org/video/lead-paint-removal-chicago-apartments-costly-need-jwgxs3/ excellent video from NPR.
- [New York AG suing Buffalo landlord for not addressing lead paint hazards](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/03/29/new-york-ag-suing-buffalo-landlord-for-not-addressing-lead-paint-hazards/) - BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Buffalo landlord for allegedly failing to address lead-based paint hazards in numerous properties in East Buffalo. Raiszadeh Group, owned by Farhad Raiszadeh and his wife Shohre Zahedi, have been cited for lead paint hazard violations at 47 of their 75 properties.
- [EPA is cracking down on RRP violators](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/04/18/epa-is-cracking-down-on-rrp-violators/) - What does the RRP Rule Require. The RRP Rule applies to all individuals or firms performing renovation, repair, and/or painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in pre-1978 residential homes, schools, and childcare centers for compensation. Individuals or firms may include painters, carpenters, window replacement companies, remodelers, plumbers, electricians, and landlords/property managers who conduct their own
- [EPA reaches settlement with Color World Painting for alleged violations of federal lead paint renovation rules in Columbus, Ohio area](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/04/18/epa-reaches-settlement-with-color-world-painting-for-alleged-violations-of-federal-lead-paint-renovation-rules-in-columbus-ohio-area/) - March 28, 2023 Contact Information Mary Pressley (pressley.mary@epa.gov) 312-886-1443 Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $126,000 settlement with Color World Housepainting Inc. (operating as Color World Painting Columbus), in Powell, Ohio, to resolve alleged lead paint renovation violations as part of federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting regulations. “Compliance with federal lead paint laws is essential to
- [Western New York property owner pleads guilty to lying about lead hazards](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/04/28/western-new-york-property-owner-pleads-guilty-to-lying-about-lead-hazards/) - see story from Buffalo
- [Cleveland holding landlords accountable for lead paint violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/04/28/cleveland-holding-landlords-accountable-for-lead-paint-violations/) - Cleveland files 100 affidavits to hold property owners accountable for not getting lead paint out of homes atch video . Photo by: Dennis Spronck By: Jessi Schultz Posted at 5:33 PM, Apr 27, 2023 and last updated 7:25 PM, Apr 27, 2023 CLEVELAND — The battle to break free from the risks of lead paint is
- [Judge disallows Landlords from stopping Lead Paint testing](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/06/22/judge-disallows-landlords-from-stopping-lead-paint-testing/) - Today in Toledo, a judge ruled against landlords in a long running suit over the legality of lead testing laws. Landlords have fought this battle for more than 5 years prohibiting the law from taking effect. https://www.dropbox.com/s/bx4v8xelqd5rqrs/Judge%20denies%20landlord%27s%20request%20for%20injunction%20to%20Toledo%27s%20lead%20law%20_%20The%20Blade.pdf?dl=0
- [Risk for Lead Poisoning Increases in Summer Months](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/07/11/risk-for-lead-poisoning-increases-in-summer-months/) - From Cleveland Clinic news briefs click here to see the video and more info. Risk for Lead Poisoning Increases in Summer Months CLEVELAND – When the weather warms, windows are opened and home improvement projects are started, which can kick up lead dust. Roopa Thakur, MD, a pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, reminds caregivers that it’s
- [EPA new rules coming soon](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/07/23/epa-new-rules-coming-soon/) - https://youtu.be/947wtIKKAH0
- [Lead exposure during childhood could lead to a life of crime in adulthood](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/08/01/lead-exposure-during-childhood-could-lead-to-a-life-of-crime-in-adulthood/) - WASHINGTON — Exposure to lead during childhood or even in the womb may predispose individuals to criminal behavior later in life, a new study reveals. A research team from George Washington University discovered that children who had higher levels of the toxic metal in their bodies were more likely to engage in criminal activities as adults.
- [Children living in predominantly Black neighborhoods at higher risk for lead poisoning, study says](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/09/01/children-living-in-predominantly-black-neighborhoods-at-higher-risk-for-lead-poisoning-study-says/) - Young children may still be exposed to lead-based paint in homes constructed before 1978, when the hazardous paint was outlawed. American children living in predominantly Black and racially divided neighborhoods are more likely to be exposed to lead, which can cause brain damage. Studies have long demonstrated that Black children often have higher blood lead levels than
- [Cleveland Landlord fined 10K by Judge Scot for lead issues.](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/09/08/cleveland-landlord-fined-10k-by-judge-scot-for-lead-issues/) - Cleveland Housing Court has fined a landlord $10,000 for failing to clean up lead hazards at a rental property that poisoned a toddler and forced the child’s family into temporary housing. Earlier this month, Judge Moná Scott ordered Hadad Investments LLC to pay $10,608 in contempt of court fines that have been adding up since May,
- [City of Cleveland files prosecution on 50 property owners for lead violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/10/16/city-of-cleveland-files-prosecution-on-50-property-owners-for-lead-violations/) - Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced a first-of-its-kind legal action against 50 Cleveland property owners who failed to comply with city lead-safe regulations at their homes. CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb announced a first-of-its-kind legal action against 50 Cleveland property owners who have failed to comply with city lead-safe regulations at their homes. David
- [‘Alarm bells’: Progress slipping on Cleveland’s lead-safe law as landlords fail to comply](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/10/28/alarm-bells-progress-slipping-on-clevelands-lead-safe-law-as-landlords-fail-to-comply/) - Click here to see important news.
- [EPA Settlement Addresses Contractor’s Actions on Renovation TV Show Violating the Lead-Based Paint Rule](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/01/22/epa-settlement-addresses-contractors-actions-on-renovation-tv-show-violating-the-lead-based-paint-rule/) - WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement agreement with Marrs Construction Co., of Bella Vista, Arkansas, addressing the company’s violations of the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule. Under the settlement, Marrs agrees to provide information about lead safety rules on its cable TV program “Fixer to Fabulous” on the Home
- [EPA takes action against Connecticut contractor for failing to follow lead-safe work practices when renovating](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/01/25/epa-takes-action-against-connecticut-contractor-for-failing-to-follow-lead-safe-work-practices-when-renovating/) - EPA levied a fine of $34,818 against contractor who did renovations with no RRP. Article can be found here.
- [Milwaukee renters face higher lead poisoning risks as city struggles to hold landlords accountable](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/09/26/milwaukee-renters-face-higher-lead-poisoning-risks-as-city-struggles-to-hold-landlords-accountable/) - There are an estimated 200,000 aging housing units in Milwaukee that likely have paint made with lead, leading the city health department to develop a new approach for removing the potent neurotoxin. Wisconsin Watch September 25, 2023 • SOUTHEAST REGION Deanna Branch sits with her son Aidan, now 10, in the bedroom of a Milwaukee apartment
- [There’s been little progress three years after Cleveland’s lead safe ordinance was passed. What will it take to move the needle?](https://pbfreeohio.com/2023/12/03/theres-been-little-progress-three-years-after-clevelands-lead-safe-ordinance-was-passed-what-will-it-take-to-move-the-needle/) - One of the biggest objections landlords have to Cleveland’s lead safe ordinance is that it is too expensive, according to Rob Fischer. Fischer, an associate professor at the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University, is involved in both auditing the city of Cleveland’s progress on lead safety and publishing research
- [Syracuse landlord settles for $310K over lead safety violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/02/10/syracuse-landlord-settles-for-310k-over-lead-safety-violations/) - SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The New York Attorney General’s Office has reached a $310,000 settlement with Syracuse landlord William D’Angelo for repeatedly violating lead safety laws. The settlement-in-principle with D’Angelo and his company Marpat LLC will force the landlord to pay $310,000, which will be used for a tenant relief fund that will provide payments to families
- [Ohio: Lead from old paint and pipes is still a harmful and deadly hazard in millions of US homes](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/03/08/ohio-lead-from-old-paint-and-pipes-is-still-a-harmful-and-deadly-hazard-in-millions-of-us-homes/) - Athens Ohio. Lead Paint remains a problem for many homes click here for copy of article.
- [Attorney General's Office settles with landlord accused of neglecting north Minneapolis homes HavenBrook Homes agrees to pay $2.2 million in restitution, forgive up to $1.9 million of tenants' debt and attempt to sell its rental homes.](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/03/16/attorney-generals-office-settles-with-landlord-accused-of-neglecting-north-minneapolis-homes-havenbrook-homes-agrees-to-pay-2-2-million-in-restitution-forgive-up-to-1-9-million-of-tenants-debt/) - The Minnesota Attorney General's Office has settled a consumer protection lawsuit it launched two years ago against a "hedge fund-owned mega landlord" that rents and manages more than 600 rental properties in the state. The AG's office had accused HavenBrook Homes, its parent company Progress Residential and the "syndicate of corporations" behind them of extracting profits from
- [Children’s well-being is at stake in Cleveland’s lead-safe refresh, version 3.0: editorial](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/03/27/childrens-well-being-is-at-stake-in-clevelands-lead-safe-refresh-version-3-0-editorial/) - Editorial Board, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer The good news is that Cleveland is still trying valiantly to recalibrate its approach to making Cleveland rentals lead-safe by 2028 -- this time by creating a special section in the city’s Housing and Building Department that will take a case-management approach to helping noncompliant small landlords navigate the bureaucracy,
- [Cleveland struggles to make rental properties lead safe](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/06/29/cleveland-struggles-to-make-rental-properties-lead-safe/) - click here to see story.
- [Study unearths concerning link between Americans and exposure to deadly toxin](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/09/study-unearths-concerning-link-between-americans-and-exposure-to-deadly-toxin/) - https://nypost.com/2024/12/08/lifestyle/study-unearths-concerning-link-between-americans-and-exposure-to-deadly-toxin/ Lead exposure in the 20th century may have led to mental health issues in Americans, a new study suggests. Researchers from Duke University and Florida State University studied the impact of lead in gasoline, which was first added in 1923 to help keep car engines healthy. (It was later banned from all U.S.
- [Judge holds Scranton landlord in contempt for abatement in apartment where tenant claims 2-year-old daughter got lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/11/judge-holds-scranton-landlord-in-contempt-for-abatement-in-apartment-where-tenant-claims-2-year-old-daughter-got-lead-poisoning/) - SCRANTON – In a lawsuit by a mother claiming her 2-year-old daughter was poisoned from lead paint in their apartment at 961 Wheeler Ave., a judge on Tuesday sanctioned the landlord for contempt for failing to remove the toxic element. Lackawanna County Judge James Gibbons granted a “motion for contempt” by plaintiff Kathleen Mulholland and
- [Brooklyn tenants to receive $2.9 million in settlement with notorious landlord over hazardous conditions](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/17/brooklyn-tenants-to-receive-2-9-million-in-settlement-with-notorious-landlord-over-hazardous-conditions/) - Tenants of one of Brooklyn’s biggest landlords are set to receive $2.9 million in restitution after an investigation found “repeated and egregious” violations of housing maintenance codes, including issues with lead paint, mold and pest infestations. On Friday, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a $6.5 million settlement with Lilmor Management, LLC, and its principal,
- [EPA cites Salt Lake City building owner for not providing lead paint hazard notice Pacific Coast Capital to pay $74K, settling alleged violations at rental apartments](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/18/epa-cites-salt-lake-city-building-owner-for-not-providing-lead-paint-hazard-notice-pacific-coast-capital-to-pay-74k-settling-alleged-violations-at-rental-apartments/) - December 17, 2024 Contact Information Marisa Lubeck (lubeck.marisa@epa.gov) SALT LAKE CITY — Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Pacific Coast Capital Investors, LLC, the owner of North Aspen Apartments in Salt Lake City, Utah, for allegedly failing to notify tenants of lead-based paint hazards on the property. Pacific Coast Capital agreed
- [Ohio Supreme Court’s rulings bring mixed results for policyholders](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/22/ohio-supreme-courts-rulings-bring-mixed-results-for-policyholders/) - COMMENTARY FROM ZAK: I am not sure if this will force insurance companies to cover lead paint losses. Somehow I believe the insurance companies will find a loophole to still consider this an "excluded peril". Two recent rulings from the Ohio Supreme Court provided a mix of benefits and concerns for policyholders in the state,
- [Cleveland is ready to fine thousands of rule-breaking landlords to start 2025](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/23/cleveland-is-ready-to-fine-thousands-of-rule-breaking-landlords-to-start-2025/) - CLEVELAND, Ohio — Thousands of landlords ignoring code violations in Cleveland could be getting a special gift from the city’s inspectors to start 2025: a $200 fine. The city’s Building and Housing department is preparing to use its new civil ticketing system, designed to financially punish property owners who break the rules. Director Sally Martin
- [EPA Penalizes Four Missouri Home Renovators for Lead-Based Paint Violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/01/08/epa-penalizes-four-missouri-home-renovators-for-lead-based-paint-violations/) - source January 7, 2025 Contact Information Madelyn Bremer (bremer.madelyn@epa.gov) 816-745-2616 LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 7, 2025) – Four Missouri home renovation companies have agreed to collectively pay over $27,000 in penalties to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to resolve alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). According to EPA, the following companies failed
- [Lead Paint Contamination and Resources for Ohio Landlords](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/01/21/lead-paint-contamination-and-resources-for-ohio-landlords/) - January 20, 2025 Every day, children in the United States are exposed to lead-based paint, which was used in most homes until it was banned in the US in 1978. The World Health Organization states that lead poisoning “can severely damage the brain and central nervous system causing coma, convulsions and even death.” Children who survive lead
- [Important info from B&H](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/01/21/important-info-from-bh/) - Residents First One Pager - Landlord-0424
- [Lead and Local Agent in Charge (LAiC) info for realtors](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/01/22/lead-and-local-agent-in-charge-laic-info-for-realtors/) - https://youtu.be/MFs5TXfc0ZI?si=otjq-A0KCWz9Hl2b
- [Local News Chicago Housing Authority ordered to pay more than $24 million in damages for two children's lead poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/01/25/local-news-chicago-housing-authority-ordered-to-pay-more-than-24-million-in-damages-for-two-childrens-lead-poisoning/) - CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago Housing Authority has been ordered to pay more than $24 million in damages to the family of two children who allegedly suffered poisoning from lead paint in their apartment in Rogers Park. Shanna Jordan sued the CHA on behalf of her son Jah'mir Collins, now 10; and Jordan's daughter, Morgan Collins,
- [As Trump threatens cuts, Bloomberg steps in to fund new Cleveland City Hall staff](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/02/06/as-trump-threatens-cuts-bloomberg-steps-in-to-fund-new-cleveland-city-hall-staff/) - Sean McDonnell, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — As the Trump administration threatens to strip cities of federal funding, Cleveland is set to receive a boost from Bloomberg Philanthropies, which is stepping in with a $1.5 million donation to fund three new employees at City Hall. These positions, focused on sustainability and reducing lead poisoning, could come
- [Marquette University Raynor Library to host ‘This Lead is Killing Us’ exhibit, starting March 10](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/03/08/marquette-university-raynor-library-to-host-this-lead-is-killing-us-exhibit-starting-march-10/) - Marquette University Raynor Library to host ‘This Lead is Killing Us’ exhibit, starting March 10 March 7, 2025 MILWAUKEE — Marquette University will host “This Lead is Killing Us: A History of Citizens Fighting Lead Poisoning in their Communities,” which explores how citizens, scientists and medical professionals have confronted industry to protect their health against
- [NYC’s ‘worst landlord’ agrees to historic $6.5 million settlement over thousands of violations](https://pbfreeohio.com/2024/12/14/nycs-worst-landlord-agrees-to-historic-6-5-million-settlement-over-thousands-of-violations/) - The city’s “worst landlord” has agreed to pay a historic $6.5 million in fines and restitution to its tenants for a slew of housing violations — including conditions that left 130 young children with lead poisoning. Lilmor Management and its owner, Morris Lieberman, admitted in their agreement with the state and feds that they violated
- [A state investment to help Cleveland rid dwellings of lead paint poisoning will save many, many young lives: editorial](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/03/16/a-state-investment-to-help-cleveland-rid-dwellings-of-lead-paint-poisoning-will-save-many-many-young-lives-editorial/) - By Editorial Board, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer Good intentions can produce unintended and undesirable consequences. That evidently is what’s happened to Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s commendably toughened lead-paint-safety requirements that instead have seemingly added to already unacceptable delays in lead-paint detection and removal in older Cleveland rental housing. Cleveland.com’s Sean McDonnell recently reported that
- [Cleveland enlists workers across City Hall to tackle backlog of lead-safe applications](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/04/10/cleveland-enlists-workers-across-city-hall-to-tackle-backlog-of-lead-safe-applications/) - Sean McDonnell, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland has cleared a backlog of 1,200 lead-safe applications ahead of schedule after enlisting volunteers from across City Hall to tackle the logjam. The cleared backlog lets the city refocus on the bigger issue: trying to make real progress on preventing childhood lead poisoning. The bureaucratic bottleneck was originally expected to
- ['Buried in hundreds of years of lead paint.' Cleveland takes stock of clean-up effort](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/04/22/buried-in-hundreds-of-years-of-lead-paint-cleveland-takes-stock-of-clean-up-effort/) - WEWS report More than 1,300 children in Cleveland tested positive for high levels of lead in their blood last year. By: Michelle Jarboe Posted 8:44 PM, Apr 21, 2025 and last updated 11:23 AM, Apr 22, 2025 CLEVELAND — More than 1,300 children in Cleveland tested positive for elevated levels of lead in their blood last year.
- [Cleveland’s must address inadequate steps to end lead poisoning in children: editorial](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/05/07/clevelands-must-address-inadequate-steps-to-end-lead-poisoning-in-children-editorial/) - Published: May. 07, 2025, 6:00 a.m. By Editorial Board, cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer Cleveland’s children have been plagued for decades by exposure to lead, an environmental hazard that causes irreversible harm. And while Cleveland’s leadership, public and private, has harrumphed over and over that aggressive action is needed, City Hall continues to display a decades-old
- [CDC denies Milwaukee’s request for help with unsafe lead levels in public schools](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/05/10/cdc-denies-milwaukees-request-for-help-with-unsafe-lead-levels-in-public-schools/) - The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has denied a request from Milwaukee’s public health department for assistance in managing unsafe lead levels in the city’s public schools, citing the loss of its lead experts in mass firings last week across federal health agencies. “I sincerely regret to inform you that due to the
- [Decades of Failure](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/05/11/decades-of-failure/) - Today in Ohio reviews the Cleveland Lead Paint problem. Start listening at 10:55.
- [Cleveland’s lead-safe law isn’t working, councilwoman says — and it’s time for change](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/06/26/clevelands-lead-safe-law-isnt-working-councilwoman-says-and-its-time-for-change/) - CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland’s 2019 lead-safe law hasn’t delivered the progress it promised. Now, a Cleveland Councilwoman says it’s time to have an open conversation about changes — or risk children continuing to be poisoned. Councilwoman Rebecca Maurer put out a report Thursday that lays out Cleveland’s progress on lead, or lack thereof, and suggests changes the city
- [Excellent work by Councilwoman Maurer](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/06/26/excellent-work-by-councilwoman-maurer/) - Councilwoman Maurer has put out a very good review of the lead program. Please read. Lead Report
- [Harsh reality: Councilman’s survey finds out-of-area landlords more likely to break housing code](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/06/30/harsh-reality-councilmans-survey-finds-out-of-area-landlords-more-likely-to-break-housing-code/) - By Sean McDonnell, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — A Cleveland councilman surveyed 8,507 homes for code violations and found a not-so-surprising conclusion in the data: houses owned by out-of-area landlords were much more likely to have issues. Ward 13 Councilman Kris Harsh set off after his election in 2022 to survey every home in his ward
- [Interview with Cleveland Health director](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/07/01/interview-with-cleveland-health-director/) - https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/cleveland-lead-poisoning-children-monica-robins-public-health-dr-david-margolius/95-48395067-db27-4617-84aa-601d115d4308 Worth watching
- [Landlord guide to getting lead certified](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/08/08/landlord-guide-to-getting-lead-certified/) - courtesy of signal cleveland Are you worried about lead paint where you live? Here’s a guide to getting your Cleveland home tested Because Cleveland’s housing stock is so old, many of the units in town should be tested for lead. Here’s how to make that happen by Celia HackAugust 8, 2025 Lead in Cleveland is
- [South Bend firm pays to settle federal lead paint lawsuit](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/09/06/south-bend-firm-pays-to-settle-federal-lead-paint-lawsuit/) - South Bend firm pays to settle federal lead paint lawsuit WVPE 88.1 Elkhart/South Bend | By Jeff Parrott Published September 5, 2025 at 2:41 PM EDT Federal authorities today (Friday) announced a settlement with a South Bend property management firm over their allegations that the company failed to follow regulations on handling lead-based paint. But the
- [Voting guide for Cleveland Housing court](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/10/28/voting-guide-for-cleveland-housing-court/) - Signal Cleveland has produced a comprehensive voting guide for the Nov. 4 election for housing court. This is of particular relevance to all landlords, but in specific landlords from out of town or on the other side of the world. She is serious about LLC landlords coming into full compliance or faces fines and punishment.
- [NYC Lead Poisoning Lawyers Secure $3 Million Settlement for Bronx Child With Blood Lead Levels Thirteen Times CDC Safety Threshold](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/11/18/nyc-lead-poisoning-lawyers-secure-3-million-settlement-for-bronx-child-with-blood-lead-levels-thirteen-times-cdc-safety-threshold/) - https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nyc-lead-poisoning-lawyers-secure-3-million-settlement-for-bronx-child-with-blood-lead-levels-thirteen-times-cdc-safety-threshold-302617709.html NYC Lead Poisoning Lawyers Secure $3 Million Settlement for Bronx Child With Blood Lead Levels Thirteen Times CDC Safety Threshold News provided by The Frankel Law Firm Nov 17, 2025, 17:58 ET In Latest Available Data 5,078 NYC Children Test Positive for Dangerous Lead Exposure Annually NEW YORK , Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/
- [How one new Cleveland program is providing emergency housing for families displaced by lead hazards](https://pbfreeohio.com/2025/12/18/how-one-new-cleveland-program-is-providing-emergency-housing-for-families-displaced-by-lead-hazards/) - The relocation assistance program can put families into a short-term hotel and help them pay for a security deposit and first month’s rent at a new apartment. The pilot program runs through next June. by Celia HackDecember 18, 2025 This past spring was particularly chaotic for Janeese Gunn and her family. Her 12-year-old son, who has
- [Cleveland Crackdown on Landlords](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/01/08/cleveland-crackdown-on-landlords/) - Cleveland cracks down on code violations, issuing $1.7M in fines, mostly to landlords Published: Jan. 07, 2026, 9:54 a.m. By Sean McDonnell, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cleveland has issued more than 9,000 tickets and $1.7 million worth of fines using a new tool designed to penalize landlords and property owners who flout the city’s housing code. The
- [EPA Tightens Lead Paint Enforcement](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/01/23/epa-tightens-lead-paint-enforcement/) - EPA Signals Tighter Lead-Paint Enforcement Beginning in 2026 What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced that it will begin more aggressive enforcement of existing federal lead-paint rules starting in early 2026. While many of these requirements have been in place for years, the agency is making clear
- [Lead Safe Cleveland Incentive Program Coming to an End](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/01/28/lead-safe-cleveland-incentive-program-coming-to-an-end/) - The Lead Safe Cleveland Coalition has announced that its landlord incentive program will soon conclude as funding runs out. Since 2020, the program has provided rebates of $750 to $1,000 to property owners who obtained lead safe certification for their rental units. The program is ending because federal COVID-19 recovery funds that supported it have
- [Shaker Square Apartments: What Absentee Landlords and Lead Hazards Mean for Cleveland Families](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/06/shaker-square-apartments-what-absentee-landlords-and-lead-hazards-mean-for-cleveland-families/) - Published: February 6, 2026 A years-long saga involving three large apartment buildings near Shaker Square has shone a spotlight on one of Cleveland's most persistent housing challenges: out-of-town investors who purchase aging properties and allow them to fall into disrepair, putting tenants — and especially children — at serious risk of lead exposure. The Problem
- [Cleveland Councilman Who Voted for Lead Laws Exposed for Ignoring Them at His Own Rentals](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/06/cleveland-councilman-who-voted-for-lead-laws-exposed-for-ignoring-them-at-his-own-rentals/) - Published: February 6, 2026 Investigative reporting by cleveland.com has revealed that a Cleveland City Council member who voted for the city's 2019 Lead Safe Ordinance — and again in 2024 to strengthen penalties for noncompliant landlords — has never obtained lead-safe certification for any of his own rental properties. The revelation has drawn sharp criticism
- [Federal Court Dismisses Challenge to Cleveland's Rental Registration and Lead-Safe Requirements](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/08/federal-court-dismisses-challenge-to-clevelands-rental-registration-and-lead-safe-requirements/) - Cleveland's Chapter 365 stands: What landlords need to know after the BVG Properties ruling If you're a Cleveland-area landlord, you've probably heard the complaints — or made them yourself. Cleveland's rental registration and lead-safe certification requirements feel like a lot. The fees, the inspections, the Local Agent in Charge paperwork... it can feel like the
- [Cleveland forefits 3.3 Million in lead abatement funding](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/09/cleveland-forefits-3-3-million-in-lead-abatement-funding/) - Cleveland Just Lost $3.3 Million for Lead Removal — Here's What Homeowners Need to Know Ohio just clawed back $3.3 million from Cleveland that was supposed to help make homes lead-safe. The reason? The city couldn't spend the money fast enough. Out of a $4.9 million state grant meant to replace lead-painted windows and doors,
- [Cleveland's Lead Safe Progress: Council Presentation Recap — February 9, 2026](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/17/clevelands-lead-safe-progress-council-presentation-recap-february-9-2026/) - Cleveland's fight against childhood lead poisoning is showing real results. On February 9, 2026, the City presented an update to Council on the Lead Safe Certification program — and the numbers tell an encouraging story. Lead Poisoning Rates Are Dropping The most important takeaway: fewer Cleveland kids are being poisoned by lead. The percentage of
- [Cleveland Councilman Fined for Lead Safe Certificate and Rental Registration Violations at His Own Properties](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/19/cleveland-councilman-fined-for-lead-safe-certificate-and-rental-registration-violations-at-his-own-properties/) - Even the lawmakers who created Cleveland's lead-safe requirements aren't exempt from enforcement — and that's exactly how it should work. Earlier this month, Cleveland.com reported that City Councilman Kevin Bishop was issued seven code violation tickets across four rental properties he owns. The violations? Failure to obtain Lead Safe Certificates and failure to register properties
- [Cleveland Lost $3.3 Million in Lead Safety Funding — Here's What That Means for Landlords](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/20/cleveland-lost-3-3-million-in-lead-safety-funding-heres-what-that-means-for-landlords/) - The City of Cleveland just lost $3.3 million in state funding that was earmarked to make homes lead-safe. The Ohio Department of Development pulled the grant after City Hall failed to spend the money fast enough. Columbus lost funding too — over $6 million total redirected away from Ohio's two largest cities. As a lead
- [More Than 2,800 Tickets to Landlords Each Month — Council Demands More Enforcement](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/02/22/cleveland-civil-tickets-enforcement-crackdown-2026/) - At last week's City of Cleveland budget hearing, the Law Department put some numbers on the table that every Cleveland landlord needs to hear. During Q4 2025 alone, the city issued more than 1,500 civil infraction tickets to landlords for housing code violations. That's roughly 500 tickets per month. At $200 per ticket, the city
- [Syracuse Landlords Settle With NY AG Over Lead Hazards — A Warning Shot for Ohio Mom-and-Pop Landlords](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/04/26/syracuse-landlords-settle-with-ny-ag-over-lead-hazards-a-warning-shot-for-ohio-mom-and-pop-landlords/) - On April 20, 2026, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a settlement with Syracuse landlords Brian A. Murphy and Harry Murphy after a multi-year investigation found widespread lead-paint hazards and unsafe conditions across nearly two dozen of their rental properties. Seven children living in Murphy-owned homes were found to have elevated blood lead levels.
- [787 Calls. No One Answered. What Cleveland's Lead Hotline Failure Means for Property Owners.](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/05/07/787-calls-no-one-answered-what-clevelands-lead-hotline-failure-means-for-property-owners/) - A new investigative report from Signal Cleveland lays out in stark detail how bureaucratic failure has hobbled Cleveland's fight against childhood lead poisoning — and why the clock is now ticking on millions of federal dollars. The findings are worth every property owner and landlord in Greater Cleveland reading carefully. The 787 Calls Nobody Heard
- [Selling a Cleveland Property? A Missing Lead Safe Certificate Can Derail Your Closing](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/05/23/selling-a-cleveland-property-a-missing-lead-safe-certificate-can-derail-your-closing/) - If you're planning to sell a Cleveland rental property, you may be thinking: "I'm getting out anyway — why bother with a Lead Safe Certificate?" It's a common thought. And it can cost you your closing. The Law Requires You to Disclose It Under Cleveland City Code § 367.12 and Ordinance #1039.203 (enacted February 5,
- [Good News (With a Catch): Cleveland Sees Two Straight Years of Declining Childhood Lead Poisoning](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/06/16/good-news-with-a-catch-cleveland-sees-two-straight-years-of-declining-childhood-lead-poisoning/) - For the second year in a row, fewer Cleveland children are showing up with elevated blood lead levels — and early 2026 data suggests the trend is continuing into a potential third year. That's genuinely encouraging news for a city that has long struggled with one of the worst childhood lead poisoning rates in Ohio.
- [Cleveland.com's Sherwin-Williams Lead Paint Series: What Local Landlords Should Know](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/07/22/cleveland-coms-sherwin-williams-lead-paint-series-what-local-landlords-should-know/) - A quick summary of Sam Allard's Axios Cleveland piece, "Sherwin-Williams series", published July 21, 2026. Cleveland.com editor Chris Quinn recently ran a five-part investigative series digging into Sherwin-Williams' history with lead paint — and Axios Cleveland's Sam Allard has a worthwhile rundown and critique of it. What the series found According to Allard's summary of
- [CMHA and City LSC Are Not the Same: What Cleveland Section 8 Landlords Need to Know About Lead Compliance](https://pbfreeohio.com/2026/07/23/cmha-and-city-lsc-are-not-the-same-what-cleveland-section-8-landlords-need-to-know-about-lead-compliance/) - If your rental property participates in Cleveland's Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher program, there's a critical compliance gap you need to know about — and it's costing landlords time, money, and voucher delays every month. A City of Cleveland Lead Safe Certificate (LSC) is not accepted by CMHA. They are two separate processes, governed

## Pages

- [Home](https://pbfreeohio.com/) - What is Lead Testing? About Us Fast Turnaround Time PbFreeOhio has the staff to get you scheduled and tested in a matter of days, sometimes the same day. We realize that sometimes you need your certificate immediately so we do offer RUSH services. Depending on which sets of tests you require you can have your
- [Cleveland Certificate of Disclosure](https://pbfreeohio.com/cleveland-certificate-of-disclosure/) - Cleveland is enforcing the Certificate of Disclosure on every sale or transfer of real property. Ordinance #1039.203, enacted 02/05/2024. The fee is $60.00 per structure on the lot, and the certificate must be processed by the City before the property transfers and before any funds are disbursed. Three people sign it at the closing table
- [Support HB 118](https://pbfreeohio.com/support-hb-118/) - ⚠️ Important: Cleveland officials have opposed state funding for lead remediation. Your voice can help change their position and support Ohio landlords statewide. 📧 Send Your Message to Cleveland & State Officials Fill out the form below to send your message directly to Mayor Bibb, Council President Blaine Griffin, Sally Martin, and all Cleveland-area State
- [Sample Page](https://pbfreeohio.com/sample-page/) - This is an example page. It's different from a blog post because it will stay in one place and will show up in your site navigation (in most themes). Most people start with an About page that introduces them to potential site visitors. It might say something like this: Hi there! I'm a bike messenger
- [Important Links](https://pbfreeohio.com/important-links/) - Important Links Cleveland Lead Safe Ordinance Cleveland Lead Safe Certificate ApplicationMunicipal Court Information on filing evictions and Lead InspectionCleveland Lead Safe CoalitionGuide to pre-inspection clean (from Lucas County)Affidavit of failed Lead Safe attempt
- [Lead Paint Safety](https://pbfreeohio.com/lead-paint-safety/) - Lead Paint Safety Our Lead-Based Paint Safety Services Cleveland, OH, property owners have a responsibility to keep their properties lead-safe for their tenants. PB Free Ohio is proud to offer comprehensive lead-based paint safety services to help you maintain a safe property for your tenants and their children.PB Free Ohio is committed to keeping Cleveland
- [News](https://pbfreeohio.com/news/) - News CMHA and City LSC Are Not the Same: What Cleveland Section 8 Landlords Need to Know About Lead Compliance July 23, 2026 No Comments If your rental property participates in Cleveland’s Section 8 / Housing Choice Voucher program, there’s a critical compliance gap you need to know about — and it’s costing landlords time,
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- [privacy policy and terms of service](https://pbfreeohio.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-service/) - PbFree Ohio – Privacy Policy & Terms of Service Effective Date: 12/19/25 PbFree Ohio (“PbFree Ohio,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This page explains how we collect, use, and protect information, and sets forth the terms governing our services. 1. Information We Collect We may
- [RA Field Checklist](https://pbfreeohio.com/ra-checklist/) - [pbfree_ra_checklist]
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- [About](https://pbfreeohio.com/about/) - About Us Fast Turnaround Time PbFreeOhio has the staff to get you scheduled and tested in a matter of days, sometimes the same day. We realize that sometimes you need your certificate immediately so we do offer RUSH services. Depending on which sets of tests you require you can have your results on the spot
- [2 or 20 year tests](https://pbfreeohio.com/2-or-20-year-tests/) - 2 or 20 year tests About the Lead Safe Certificate The City of Cleveland in 2019 enacted legislation that requires all rental property build prior to 1978 to be certified Lead Safe. There are two types of tests authorized by the City and they are very different in their results. Lead Paint Safety Certification cleveland
- [Free Money](https://pbfreeohio.com/free-money/) - Free Money Grant Money Assist for Landlords in Cleveland, OH The City of Cleveland has millions of dollars earmarked to help your rental become lead safe. All you have to do is complete the paperwork. The property owner is responsible for 1/3 of the cost and the city grant will pay the balance.The city grant
- [Contact](https://pbfreeohio.com/contact/) - Contact Us Leave your message and we’ll get back to you shortly. Owner First Name * Owner Last Name * Owner Email * Owner Phone * Rental Street Address Rental ZIP Tenant name * Tenant phone * Special notes/comments * Submit
- [Cleveland Landlords - please read](https://pbfreeohio.com/cleveland-landlords-please-read/) - January 17, 2025 The City of Cleveland has rolled out its new electronic citizens portal. This is the process by which you will need to register your property to be in compliance with city law. While this a new process that will require adaptation on the part of landlords and associated professional such as lead
- [Affordable security for out of town landlords](https://pbfreeohio.com/affordable-security-for-out-of-town-landlords/) - SimpliSafe Security Systems for Cleveland Rental Properties Affordable, cellular-first protection — installed and supported by local PbFree Ohio technicians. PbFree Ohio partners with SimpliSafe to deliver landlord-friendly security and monitoring tailored to Cleveland rentals — perfect for out-of-town owners who need reliable intrusion, access control, and environmental alerts with minimal setup. Get a Free Security
- [Gilliam Lead-Safe LLC — Demo Preview](https://pbfreeohio.com/gilliam-demo/) - MOCKUP PREVIEW — for review with Dan Gilliam only, not a live website 216-407-7626 dgilliam60@yahoo.com Serving Cleveland & Northeast Ohio GL Gilliam Lead-Safe LLC Lead Risk Assessment & Clearance Services Services About How It Works Service Area Contact Request an Inspection Ohio Dept. of Health Licensed EPA RRP Certified Notary Public, Cuyahoga County Lead-Safe Compliance

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