Firms ordered to pay SF, others to remove lead paint
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
(01-07) 18:15 PST SAN JOSE -- A judge issued a final ruling Tuesday ordering three paint companies to pay the state $1.15 million to remove lead paint from interior surfaces of pre-1978 homes in 10 California cities and counties, including San Francisco, Alameda and San Mateo.
Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge James Kleinberg reaffirmed a tentative decision he had issued Dec. 16 saying the companies - Sherwin-Williams, ConAgra and NL Industries - had sold and promoted lead paint for decades while knowing it was dangerous to children.
The federal government banned sales of lead paint in 1978, but Kleinberg said it remains a health hazard, citing a study conducted between 2007 and 2010 that found at least 50,000 children in the 10 cities and counties had elevated levels of lead in their blood.
The ruling would create a state fund to strip lead paint from doors, windows and floors of homes in those communities. Cleanup crews will also remove lead-containing dust and seal off or cart away contaminated soil from homes whose owners consent, Kleinberg said.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Firms-ordered-to-pay-SF-others-to-remove-lead-5122520.php