The Environmental Protection Agency and Magnolia Waco Properties, LLC, which does business as Magnolia Homes, reached a settlement over alleged lead-safety violations during renovations featured on HGTV’s *Fixer Upper*. The Waco, Texas, company, associated with Chip and Joanna Gaines, agreed to pay a $40,000 civil penalty, improve its renovation practices, fund a local lead-abatement project and educate the public about lead hazards.

The EPA said it became aware of Magnolia’s work through the popular television series, which regularly reached more than 3 million households. Footage from several seasons did not show the lead-safe practices normally required during renovations of older homes. After reviewing information provided with Magnolia’s cooperation, the agency found evidence of noncompliance at 33 properties.

Federal rules require firms renovating homes built before 1978 for compensation to take precautions against lead exposure, unless testing establishes that the affected surfaces contain less than the regulated concentration of lead. The EPA alleged that Magnolia failed to meet requirements including firm certification, assignment of a certified renovator, distribution of a lead-hazard pamphlet, posting of warning signs and use of protective coverings to contain paint chips and dust.

The agency said Magnolia acted promptly after being contacted, obtaining firm certification and staff training and bringing ongoing projects into compliance. Under the settlement, Magnolia also agreed to use an enhanced recordkeeping checklist for its staff and subcontractors and provide periodic compliance reports to the EPA.

Magnolia committed $160,000 to a project with an independent abatement firm to reduce lead hazards in Waco-area homes or facilities occupied by children. Measures may include replacing windows and doors, removing lead paint and dust, enclosing or encapsulating painted surfaces, and replacing fixtures. The EPA noted that much of Waco’s housing was built before 1978 and that at least one neighborhood has historically had elevated rates of childhood lead exposure.

The settlement also includes public outreach. A March 21, 2018, episode of *Fixer Upper* discussed lead paint and demonstrated precautions, while Chip Gaines shared safety information with his social media followers. Magnolia agreed to post a further educational video featuring Gaines within three months of the settlement and promote it online.

Lead paint remains in millions of American homes despite its 1978 ban. Renovation can release hazardous lead dust, and children are especially vulnerable to exposure, which can cause learning and behavioral problems and, in severe cases, seizures or death.