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Inept But At Your Service: Can You Trust Your Local Hardware Store?
Quality of Advice Regarding Environmental Hazards
by Five Primary Hardware Store Chains Serving Indianapolis
Store | Totals | Ace | Do-It-Best | Menards | Lowes | Home Depot |
Number of Stores in Central Indiana | 48 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 10 | 7 |
Number of Stores in Indianapolis | 30 | 10 | 6[1] | 4 | 6 | 4 |
Number Visited At Least Once | 39 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 6 |
Number in Areas With Older Housing | 10 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Lead-Based Paint and Lead Hazards | Score | | | | | |
EPA Protect Your Family Pamphlet Available | 46% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 6 | 1 of 8 | 9 of 9 | 5 of 6 |
LeadCheck® Swabs or Equivalent Available | 44% | 2 of 10 | 0 of 6 | 5 of 8 | 7 of 9 | 3 of 6 |
Gave Acceptable[2] Initial Advice | 20% | 2 of 8[3] | 1 of 5 | 3 of 11 | 1 of 12 | 2 of 9[4] |
Gave Acceptable Advice When Asked About Lead | 47% | 4 of 6 | 1 of 4 | 3 of 8[5] | 5 of 9 | 2 of 5 |
Pesticide Advice | Score | | | | | |
Warning Signs Posted[6] | 10% | 0 of 10 | 0 of 6 | 0 of 8 | 2 of 9 | 2 of 6 |
Legally Gave Selection Advice[7] | 5% | 0 of 7 | 0 of 4 | 0 of 9 | 1 of 9[8] | 1 of 8[9] |
Gave Good Advice Safest for Kids[10] | 26% | 3 of 7 | 3 of 4 | 1 of 9 | 0 of 8[11] | 2 of 7 |
[1] Three of the “Do It Best” stores on the website could not be found and one was not retail.
[2] Acceptable advice means advice that would not result in a contractor violating Indiana law that prohibits dry sanding, dry scraping, or burning of paint in a home built before 1960. See IC 13-17-14 and 326 IAC 23-5-1. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development also essentially prohibits these practices on projects it funds. See 24 CFR 35.140. This is a very low threshold for acceptability that falls far short of lead-safe work practices. Following acceptable advice can still result in a lead poisoned child and adult.
[3] One clerk gave excellent advice but the store did not have the EPA pamphlet or LeadCheck swabs.
[4] One clerk gave excellent advice.
[5] One clerk advised to used a chemical stripper but switched to sandpaper when asked about lead.
[6] Required to be posted if pesticide selection and use advice is given. Indiana State Chemist has provided specific language in guidance. See 357 IAC 1-9.
[7] Warning sign must be posted if pesticide selection and use advice is given. See 357 IAC 1-9.
[8] One clerk advised that it was illegal for him to give advice and he did not give advice.
[9] One clerk advised that it was illegal for him to give advice and he did not give advice.
[10] "Good advice safest for kids" means advice that recommends use of gel and enclosed baits or acknowledges limitations of sprays or foggers.
[11] Pesticide warning sign posted but advised spraying and fogging as best option.