EPA: Company Failed to Warn about Lead Paint in 4 New England States

A federal agency is accusing a real estate company of failing to notify prospective homeowners about lead paint problems at properties.

The Environmental Protection Agency said Thursday the corporate owners of Coldwell Banker in New England face fines for more than 100 alleged violations of lead paint disclosure rules.

The EPA says it found violations at seven Coldwell Banker offices in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire between 2005 and 2007. Officials say those offices included two in Connecticut in North Haven and Fairfield.

Coldwell Banker said in a statement that it was cooperating with the EPA and is committed to complying with disclosure laws.

Toxic lead paint was banned from use in U.S. homes in 1978.