Chip and Joanna Gaines’ renovation company, Magnolia Homes, reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over alleged lead-paint safety violations during renovations featured on HGTV’s *Fixer Upper*. Magnolia will pay a $40,000 civil penalty and spend $160,000 to reduce lead-paint hazards in homes or child-occupied facilities in the Waco, Texas, area.

The EPA became aware of the company’s renovation practices through footage from several seasons of the popular show, which was regularly viewed by more than 3 million households. After reviewing information provided with Magnolia’s cooperation, the agency found evidence of noncompliance at 33 properties. The alleged violations concerned inadequate precautions during renovations of older homes, rather than the application of lead paint.

Federal rules generally require firms paid to renovate homes built before 1978 to follow lead-safe practices unless testing shows that regulated lead concentrations are absent. The EPA alleged that Magnolia had failed to obtain firm certification, assign a certified renovator, provide occupants with an approved lead-hazard pamphlet, post warning signs and use required measures to contain paint chips and dust.

After the EPA raised its concerns, Magnolia obtained certification and staff training and brought ongoing projects into compliance, according to the agency. Under the settlement, the company also agreed to use enhanced recordkeeping checklists for its staff and subcontractors and provide periodic compliance reports to the EPA.

Magnolia’s $160,000 local project will be carried out with an independent abatement firm. It will target sources of exposure through measures such as replacing windows and doors, removing lead paint and dust, and enclosing or replacing painted surfaces and fixtures. The EPA noted that much of Waco’s housing was built before 1978 and that at least one neighborhood has historically had elevated childhood lead exposure.

The settlement also includes public education. A March 2018 episode of *Fixer Upper* discussed lead-paint hazards and showed safety precautions, while Chip Gaines shared related guidance on social media. Magnolia agreed to post a further educational video featuring Gaines within three months of the settlement.

Lead paint, banned in 1978, remains in millions of American homes. Renovations can release hazardous dust, and exposure can cause learning and behavioral problems, seizures or death. Young children are especially vulnerable because their nervous systems are still developing.