Res. No. 446
Resolution calling upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to require that all contractors hired by the Authority are certified by the Society for Protective Coatings in the appropriate standards for lead abatement.
By Council Members Crowley, Cumbo and Koo
Whereas, According to the United States (U.S.) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the improper removal of lead-based paint from structures can generate a large amount of lead dust, which can remain for a long period of time after the work is completed, and presents a potential danger to those exposed to such lead dust; and
Whereas, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 535,000 children in the U.S., ages 1 to 5 years old, have blood lead levels high enough to impair their health; and
Whereas, Children under the age of six are at higher risk for lead poisoning, which can cause severe health risks such as learning disabilities, decreased muscle and bone growth, and kidney damage; and
Whereas, Lead poisoning also poses health hazards for adults, who when exposed to high amounts of lead, can suffer from high blood pressure, digestive problems, and nervous disorders; and
Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, construction workers, especially painters, ironworkers, laborers and demolition crews working on lead-painted structures, are at particular risk of exposure to dangerous levels of lead; and
Whereas, The New York City subway system was constructed before the existence of any regulations that prevented the use of lead in paint, and the deterioration of lead-based paint potentially places workers at risk if abatement is improperly managed; and
Whereas, In March 2007, a judge in New York County Supreme Court ruled that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) was responsible for the health problems of several workers who were exposed to large amounts of lead dust during the renovation of Grand Central Terminal; and
Whereas, The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) has been a leading industry source of information on surface preparation, coating selection, coating application, environmental regulations, and health and safety issues that affect the protective coatings industry; and
Whereas, The SSPC certifies contractors through their "Painting Contractor Certification Program," a nationally recognized independent contractor evaluation program developed by a diverse committee of industry professionals; and
Whereas, Given the known dangers of lead poisoning and the potential for exposure during renovations, the benefits of proper lead abatement would help ensure the safety and wellbeing of MTA riders and workers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to require that all contractors hired by the Authority are certified by the Society for Protective Coatings in the appropriate standards for lead abatement.
JM
Res460/2010
LS 211/2014