The RI Department of Health (HEALTH) has revoked the license for Carl Truax, a RI Certified Environmental Lead Inspector Technician. The license was revoked because HEALTH determined that Truax had filed false lead inspection reports in violation of regulatory requirements for both the Housing Resources Commission lead mitigation regulations and HEALTH’s regulations for the prevention of lead poisoning.
“To reach our goal of eliminating lead poisoning in Rhode Island, HEALTH relies on the integrity of trained lead professionals, “ said Director of HEALTH David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. “Rhode Islanders need assurance that approved lead inspections are accurate. Parents need to know that their homes are safe and healthy.”
The order pertaining to Truax’s violations concerns 12 rental properties (11 in Providence and one in Bristol) for inspections performed in 2008 and 2009. The original complaint was filed by the Childhood Lead Action Project, which documented that some properties that had just received Certificates of Conformance from Truax had patches of damaged paint and other obvious violations.
“We want to thank the Childhood Lead Action Project for bringing this problem to our attention,” said Noreen Shawcross, director of the Housing Resources Commission. “More than 25,000 dwelling units in Rhode Island have received Certificates of Conformance as required by our regulations. Landlords have a legal responsibility to make sure their properties are safe and that their tenants are protected from lead hazards.”
“We're pleased that the Department of Health and the Housing Resources Commission are cracking down on lead inspectors who violate the law and put children at risk.” said Roberta Hazen Aaronson, Executive Director of the Childhood Lead Action Project. “With far too many children still being lead poisoned, it's important for the State to take this necessary action to uphold lead safety standards.”
For more information, see: http://www.health.state.ri.us/lead/certifiedprofessionals.php