March 31, 2008 - Children are still being exposed to lead paint in older buildings. This exposure has resulted in significant injuries to children’s brains. In an effort to further protect children from exposure to lead-based paint, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing new rules for contractors who renovate or repair housing, child-care facilities or schools built before 1978. Under the new rules, workers must follow lead-safe work practice standards to reduce potential exposure to dangerous levels of lead during renovation and repair activities.

"While there has been a dramatic decrease over the last two decades in the number of children affected by lead-poisoning, EPA is continuing its efforts to take on this preventable disease," said James Gulliford, EPA's Assistant Administrator for Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "Today's new rules will require contractors to be trained and to follow simple but effective lead-safe work practices to protect children from dangerous levels of lead."

The "Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting Program" rule, which will take effect in April 2010, prohibits work practices creating lead hazards. Requirements under the rule include implementing lead-safe work practices and certification and training for paid contractors and maintenance professionals working in pre-1978 housing, child-care facilities and schools. To foster adoption of the new measures, EPA will also conduct an extensive education and outreach campaign to promote awareness of these new requirements.

The rule covers all rental housing and non-rental homes where children under six and pregnant mothers reside. The new requirements apply to renovation, repair or painting activities where more than six square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed in a room or where 20 square feet of lead-based paint is disturbed on the exterior. The affected contractors include builders, painters, plumbers and electricians. Trained contractors must post warning signs, restrict occupants from work areas, contain work areas to prevent dust and debris from spreading, conduct a thorough cleanup, and verify that cleanup was effective.

Labels: attorney, EPA, lawsuit, lead paint

On February 21, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 52,000 Rinnai Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 RHFE 556 due to possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Rinnai American Corporation, of Peachtree City, Georgia, has received 11 reports of carbon monoxide leaking from the furnace.

The recall involves Rinnai EnergySaver Direct-Vent Wall Furnaces, Models RHFE 431 and RHFE 556. They are either natural gas or LP gas (propane) fueled. The following model numbers are included in the recall:


The model number is printed on the top of the rating plate located on the right side of the unit. The recall includes only those units manufactured from February 2000 through December 2007. The manufacturing date code is the first four digits of the serial number, written as YY MM, and is located at the bottom of the rating plate.

According to the Rinnai furnace recall announcement, a gasket in the unit can fail, posing a risk of poisonous carbon monoxide gas leaking into the home. Carbon monoxide death or serious injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning may result in actionable product liability, premises liability, workers’ compensation and other claims. A carbon monoxide poisoning lawyer should be consulted regarding liability and compensation in a carbon monoxide poisoning lawsuit.

To contact one of our experienced lawyers, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s free case consultation form.

Labels: carbon monoxide poisoning, lawsuit, lawyer

On February 20, 2008, yhe U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a voluntary recall of about 25,000 “Louisville/Davidson” and “Michigan” brand fiberglass extension ladders due to a possible fall hazard. The recalled ladders are Type I, IA, or II extension ladders with fiberglass rails and “D” shaped aluminum rungs. The following models are included in the recall:


According to the Louisville ladder recall announcement, the recall involves only models manufactured from September 2007 through October 2007. The model number and the manufacturing date code are located on the left side rail of the ladders. Ladders with two green dots near the bottom of the left side base rail have already been inspected or repaired and are not included in the recall.

According to the manufacturer, Louisville Ladder Inc., of Louisville, Kentucky, the extension or “fly” section can fail to lock, posing a fall hazard to consumers. Anyone injured on a recalled “Louisville/Davidson” or “Michigan” brand fiberglass extension ladder should consult an attorney regarding a possible product liability lawsuit. If you were injured at work, an attorney should be consulted regarding amounts recoverable under workers’ compensation, product liability, premises liability, and other possible claims. To contact a lawyer at our law firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s free consultation form.

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On February 11, 2008, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 2,100 GE gas clothes dryers due to possible electric shock hazard. The recalled gas dryers are 42 inches tall (back with backsplash) and 27 inches wide, and were sold in white. GE gas dryers model number DWXR463GGWW with serial numbers starting with AM, TL, SL, VL, and ZL are included in this recall. To find the model and serial numbers, open the dryer door and look in the upper right corner, in the area that was covered by the door.

According to the GE gas clothes dryer recall announcement, a short circuit in the dryer’s wiring poses a shock hazard to consumers with ungrounded dryers. People suffering electrical shock injuries involving the recalled GE gas clothes may have claims against GE and others under product liability laws. An experienced electrical shock attorney should be consulted regarding liability and compensation for electrical shock injuries.

Labels: attorney, electrical shock, GE recall, lawsuit