Skip to main content

HGTV Show Fined By EPA for RRP Violations

21 April, 2022

HGTV RRP Violations

 

A lot of people may assert that what you see on a high-profile contractor or remodeling TV show isn’t true to life, but as one crew found out, being behind the camera doesn’t excuse you from following the RRP rule. The quick takeaway here is that if you’re going to appear on national TV doing contracting work, whether you’re the star of the show or a paint contractor making a guest appearance, it’s important to comply with any lead and safety regulations as your work is there for all to see, often for years after the event.

An article in the Indianapolis Star reported that according to the EPA, the company known as Two Chicks and a Hammer — featured in the popular “Good Bones” TV series — was fined $40,000 for allegedly violating the federal RRP rule. Starting in 2017, the company was featured on the show working on three Indianapolis-area homes, all of which were built before 1978, meaning that they would be mandated to comply with the RRP rule as lead paint could have been present in those structures. 

The EPA alleged that the company — the mother-daughter team of Karen E. Laine and Mina Starsiak Hawk — performed renovations without complying with the RRP rule, that it was not certified to perform the work in the first place, and that it failed to properly contain and transport the waste in a way that would prevent the release of lead dust and debris.

HGTV Lead Paint Violation

A Bad Influence?

Because of the popularity of this show, the EPA noted that this behavior could influence many people to embark on potentially dangerous projects without proper compliance or protection. “Compliance with federal lead paint laws is essential to protect children across the country and is a priority for the EPA,” said Debra Shore, administrator for EPA Region 5 that contains Indiana, in a statement. “With so many people watching TV shows like these for tips on remodeling their own homes, it’s extremely important for these shows to demonstrate lead-safe work practices.” 

Since being contacted by EPA, the company has obtained RRP firm certification, certified it is complying with the RRP Rule and agreed to comply with the Rule in all future renovation activities. It has also agreed to inform the public on proper procedure; along with the fine, the settlement includes a requirement to produce a video about renovations involving lead-based paint, primarily featuring Mina Starsiak Hawk. Two Chicks will also post another video on social media about protecting children from lead exposure. 

 

EPA vs. HGTV

RRP: An Ongoing Problem

This isn’t the first time the EPA has had beef with HGTV, and has in the past settled RRP enforcement cases with other programs that air on this channel, the same network that airs Good Bones. These shows include Magnolia Homes, Texas Flip N Move, Rehab Addict and Bargain Mansions.

An article on the website Remodeling elaborates that that in 2020, the stars of Detroit-based Rehab Addict and of Kansas City-based Bargain Mansions were cited under similar violations. As part of the settlement, the EPA required them to take steps to ensure compliance with lead-based paint regulations in future renovation projects and to educate the public about lead-based paint hazards and appropriate renovation procedures in self-produced videos, social media postings, and public events.

This is where it’s important to understand that making an appearance on one of these shows does not shield you from government oversight. Four Kansas City contractors who appeared on Bargain Mansion were also fined for RRP rule violations in conjunction with their work on the show.

According to the EPA, the fines in these two show totaled $59,000 while in 2018, Chip and Joanna Gaines the stars of Fixer Upper were fined $160,000 for lead paint violations regarding work done on 33 properties in Waco, TX.


Check out some similar reports about lead paint:

 

Lead Paint Lawsuit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance Pays Up in Lead Paint Lawsuit

 

 

 

Lead Paint Responsibility

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property Owners Share Lead Paint Safety Responsibility

Comments

Andrew Hill (not verified)

andrew@thirdgenpaint.com

I have been grumbling about HGTV for years. They often show work on OLD homes, that would fall under RRP and they mention nothing about it. They'll be sanding exterior siding, fascia boards and trim with power sanders and no mention of lead safety. People can do what they want, but they should know the risk.

Fri, 04/22/2022 - 18:12 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

shum218@comcast.net

I have watched and wondered why you would not mention and follow the rules . The rule doesn’t mean much if it’s ignored
Yes It can be a pain but it’s the law

Sat, 06/25/2022 - 14:30 Permalink

Add new comment

Restricted HTML

  • Allowed HTML tags: <a href hreflang> <em> <strong> <cite> <blockquote cite> <code> <ul type> <ol start type> <li> <dl> <dt> <dd> <h2 id> <h3 id> <h4 id> <h5 id> <h6 id>
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.

What do you wish Santa brought you?

Choices

Does your company own at least one AED/Automated External Defibrillator?

Choices

Did you attend any in-person paint industry events in 2023?

Choices
Post

Safety Inspections Stop Work in New York

New York City is clamping down on safety violations by increasing…

Read Now
Post

Painters purchasing group

Read Now
Post

From Experience Joint Compound

Q: There are so many joint compounds and mud products…

Read Now
Post

TOP JOB Update!

We're in the process of upgrading the TOP JOB Entry Portal, and…

Read Now
^