HASTINGS, Neb. -- A residential leasing company in Hastings will has agreed to pay a penalty for alleged violations of the federal Toxic Substances Control Act. 

Pavelka Rentals LLC has agreed to pay a $24,579 penalty to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the alleged violations. 

In a press release, EPA said that Pavelka failed to notify tenants of potential hazards of lead-based paint exposure on their properties.

"EPA and the federal government are committed to reducing harmful exposure to lead-base paint, especially among children and pregnant women," said David Cozad, director of EPA Region 7''s enforcement and compliance assurance division. 

Cozad said that landlords play a crucial role in letting tenants know about potential harm.

"EPA will hold accountable property owners that fail to tell tenants about lead-based paint in their housing," Cozad said.

Lead-contaminated dust from chipped or peeling lead-based paint in homes that were built before 1978 are one of the most common causes of elevated blood lead levels in children, and other health issues that can cause lifelong health effects. 

Under the Toxic Substances Control Act, those who lease homes that were built before 1978 are required to disclose to lessees the presence of known lead-based paint hazards and accompanying records.