The lead paint problem in New York City’s buildings may be closer to being dealt with after the City Council passed two measures tightening gaps in the city’s lead paint prevention policy. The bills now head to Mayor Adams’ desk for approval or veto.
Federal officials also announced this week that they’re proposing tighter standards for how much lead is considered hazardous in older buildings and child care facilities. The threshold for lead treatment would drop to anything above 0 micrograms of lead per square foot of space on high-touch surfaces like floors and window sills. The change could protect as many as half a million children per year nationwide, the Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement.
Lead paint in older New York City buildings, especially those under the supervision of the City’s Housing Authority, have been plagued by the existence of lead paint. The dangers to children are especially acute given that lead paint has been associated with serious neurological problems including learning disabilities and irreversible brain damage.
According to the Gothamist, “
City data shows those children are typically nonwhite and live in lower-income neighborhoods, the data shows. Asian, Black and Latino children accounted for more than 4 of every 5 kids found to have elevated blood levels in 2021, and those living in low-income neighborhoods made up nearly 90%.
Lead testing and inspections also took a hit during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Gothamist reported. One of the City Council bills would expand the scope of those inspections to include apartment buildings’ common areas as well as the affected child’s residence. Inspectors will have to search for lead paint hazards along the entire path from the building’s entrance to the unit’s front door, including hallways and elevators.”
If you or a loved one, suspect lead paint poisoning, please contact us for a free initial consultation on your case.
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Thomas specializes in the litigation and trial of significant civil sexual assault, medical malpractice, personal injury, mass tort, and product liability actions. His innovative approach has led to 20 verdicts and numerous settlements in excess of one million dollars on behalf of his clients, including a recent landmark verdict for $58 Million. He has been recognized as "outstanding in the field of advocacy" nationally and internationally.
