BALTIMORE — An inspector's alleged violation of Maryland environmental laws have resulted in the revocation of 1,400 residential lead inspection certificates.
The Department of the Environment says impacted owners and tenants were notified by mail about their homes needing to be reinspected.
So far three children have tested positive for elevated lead levels at these locations.
Rodney Bryan Barkley, the owner of Green Environmental, LLC, is accused of improperly using lead detection devices with radioactive material.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office filed criminal charges against Barkley for allegedly submitting falsified lead paint certificates.
Court records show Barkley facing 31 total counts, all but one of which are misdemeanors.
Barkley has a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 8.
"Most inspectors do their jobs well and are vital to preventing childhood lead poisoning, but those who fail to follow the law endanger the heath and well-being of unsuspecting and vulnerable people," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "Parents of children residing at these properties should contact their child’s pediatrician or primary care physician to get tested."
Lead can cause permanent brain damage and leave children with life-long learning and behavioral disabilities.
In Maryland, homes built before 1978 are assumed to contain lead paint and must pass safety inspections.
Below is a list of properties with invalidated lead inspection certificates.
