01:00 AM EST on Friday, March 3, 2006

A Rhode Island court has found paint manufacturers liable for creating a public nuisance. We must recognize that the court is the first in the nation in which such a suit has been at least partly won.

This might be good for those that have been affected but I question if it can be done properly. Can those directly affected be taken care of properly?

Should landlords who have neglected their property benefit? They should have taken care of this issue years ago.

The judgment against the paint manufacturers is another example of why it has become so difficult to conduct business in Rhode Island.

Paint manufacturers are bound by very tight regulations. The use of lead paint was deemed safe by all government regulators during the period in which it was being sold. It is an industry that is very serious about regulatory issues.

Should we next ask the state to address the harm caused by the fast-food industry?

STEPHEN C. SMITH

Rehoboth

The writer is a sales manager for Awlgrip North America, a division of International Paint.