R.I. JURY FINDS LEAD

Three former makers of lead paint created a public nuisance that continues to poison Rhode Island children, a jury ruled in a verdict that could saddle the companies with millions in cleanup costs and embolden other states to sue, too.

However the judge in the case later ruled there would be no punitive damages.

The jury decided that one of the four defendants, Atlantic Richfield Co., was not responsible. But it found the three others were: Sherwin-Williams Co., NL Industries Inc. and Millennium Holdings LLC.

Rhode Island, the first state to sue the industry, argued that the substance contaminated homes and burdened landlords. Paint companies denied direct responsibility.