The Environmental Protection Agency and Magnolia Homes, the Waco, Texas, renovation firm associated with *Fixer Upper* stars Chip and Joanna Gaines, reached a settlement over alleged violations of federal lead-paint safety rules. Magnolia agreed to pay a $40,000 civil penalty, strengthen its renovation practices, educate the public and spend $160,000 addressing lead hazards in the Waco area.

The EPA began examining Magnolia’s work after reviewing several seasons of the HGTV program, which regularly reached more than 3 million households. The agency said the footage did not show lead-safe practices normally required during renovations of older homes. Its subsequent review, conducted with Magnolia’s cooperation, found evidence of noncompliance at 33 properties.

Federal rules generally require paid renovators working in homes built before 1978 to take precautions against lead exposure unless testing shows that affected surfaces fall below the regulated lead concentration. The EPA alleged that Magnolia had failed to obtain firm certification, assign certified renovators, provide occupants with an approved lead-hazard pamphlet, post warning signs and use required containment practices, such as covering surfaces and openings with plastic sheeting.

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

The settlement includes a public education campaign. A March 21, 2018, episode of *Fixer Upper* discussed lead paint and showed precautions renovators can take; Chip Gaines also shared lead-safety information on social media. Magnolia agreed to post a separate educational video featuring Gaines within three months of the settlement.

For its local project, Magnolia will work with an independent abatement firm to reduce lead-paint hazards in Waco-area homes or facilities occupied by children. Measures may include replacing windows and doors, removing lead paint and dust, and enclosing or replacing painted surfaces and fixtures. The EPA noted that some Waco neighborhoods have experienced elevated childhood blood lead levels.

Lead paint remains present in many homes built before it was banned in 1978. Renovation can disturb the paint and create hazardous dust. Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure, which can cause learning and behavioral problems and, at high levels, seizures or death.