NY Construction Firm Settles Lead Paint Lawsuit

Paint Square Manhattan, NY

The  U.S. Department of Justice announced that the United States has entered into consent decrees setting a civil lawsuit against a New York construction company for violating lead-based paint safety regulations. The consent decrees resolve a lawsuit filed in a Manhattan federal court last year, alleging that CISNE NY Construction violated the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule over the course of renovating several Manhattan apartment buildings. Additionally, the lawsuit alleged that the defendants violated these rules by failing to provide the EPA with records necessary to enable the EPA to monitor the defendants’ compliance. For the full text, click here.

Scientists Research a Simpler Way to Destroy ‘Forever’ Chemicals

Live Science by Stephanie Pappas

University of CA – Synthetic compounds known as “forever chemicals” because they never break down in the environment can actually be destroyed — by beheading. Scientists discovered a simple destruction technique that works on 10 types of these chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers hope that the method will expose weaknesses in even more PFAS-class substances, leading to paths for removing these chemicals from drinking water easily and cheaply. The researchers published their findings in the journal Science on Aug. 18.  For the full text, click here.

CA’S DCC Orders Recall of Packaged Cannabis Flower Due to Mold Contamination

State of California by Carrie B. Reyes

Sacrament, CA – California’s Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has ordered a mandatory recall after identifying a batch of packaged cannabis flower contaminated with Aspergillus niger. Consumers who purchased Claybourne Co. flower are urged to check their packaging the UID and batch numbers and dispose of the flower if affected. To date, no illnesses have been reported. DCC is currently investigating the cause of the contamination. 

Click here for the full article. 

Gas Leaks, Mold, and Lead Top Concerns at DOEE Meeting

Washington City Paper by Ambar Castillo

Washington, DC – Gas leaks, mold, and lead poisoning were among the most pressing concerns during yesterday’s oversight hearing in the Committee on Transportation and the Environment. The committee, chaired by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, brought several questions to the Department of Energy and Environment, one of three agencies under the microscope. 

Click here for the full article. 

EPA Evaluation Finds Asbestos Still a Risk

Asbestos.com  by Tim Povtak

National – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released Part 1 of its Final Risk Evaluation for Asbestos, reaffirming preliminary findings from March that were roundly criticized for underestimating the dangers of exposure to this toxic mineral. Six ongoing use categories of asbestos were evaluated by the EPA, which found 16 conditions of use that presented unreasonable risk to human health through either occupational exposures or consumer uses. The Part 2 preliminary evaluation, which will become public in mid-2021, will include five other types of asbestos, along with legacy asbestos and associated disposals of chrysotile asbestos. Click here for the full text.

Libby Asbestos Case Goes to the Supreme Court

Missoulian by Rob Chaney

Libby, MT – In a textbook example of the importance of fine print, the state of Montana and its former insurance company have asked the state Supreme Court to decide who’s liable for almost $100 million in damages due to Libby asbestos victims. The state won a district court lawsuit in 2018 when the judge ruled National Indemnity Co. was responsible for the full settlement, even though it only had the state as a client from July 1, 1973, to July 1, 1975. The settlement involved claims from Libby residents who weren’t warned about the health dangers of asbestos exposure from W.R. Grace and Co.’s vermiculite mine between the 1950s and 1980s. When the district court ruled, the settlement amount was estimated to be $43 million to more than 200 victims. Click here for the full text.

KC-Based Remodeling Show ‘bargain Mansions’ Cited by EPA for Mishandling Lead Paint

Kansascity.com

by Mike Hendricks
Kansas City, KS – The company behind the popular home renovation TV show “Bargain Mansions,” based in the Kansas City area, has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency for improper handling of lead-based paint stripped from old woodwork. The EPA said Wednesday that it had cited Growing Days LLC, the company that produces the DIY Network show, for allegedly violating rules governing the removal of lead paint. Also cited were four local contractors who performed work on the show, which is hosted by Leawood rehabber Tamara Day. All were accused of multiple violations of the rule requiring the safe handling and disposal of lead-based paint. 

Independent Tests Clear Makeup Sold at Claire’s Retail Stores of Asbestos Contamination

After initial reports of asbestos contamination in makeup product sold at Claire’s stores, the company moved quickly to have testing performed by independent laboratories. The resulting reports indicate no evidence of asbestos contamination in their products, allaying mesothelioma concerns for users of the makeup across the country.

Read the Article from Mesothelioma.net Here

Wildfire Smoke Causing Lingering Health Issues

Researchers in Missoula County, Montana are gathering data about how the worst wildfire season on record affected county residents.  Emergency room visits and other respiratory issues increased dramatically after a month long series of wildfires enveloped the area in a smokey haze.

Read the Article from mtpr.org

How Can Rhoades Environmental Help You?

  • Clandestine Lab Inspections and Consulting (Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroine)
  • Asbestos and Lead Based Paint Inspections
  • Environmental Sites Assessments (ESA) – Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III (design)
  • Indoor Air Quality Investigations
  • Mold Inspections
  • Radon Gas Inspections
  • Environmental Training
  • AHERA O&M Plans and Reinspections