Res. No. 524 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Attorney General to take appropriate legal action against any manufacturer, supplier, or retailer that may have knowingly manufactured, used, or supplied products or substances containing lead-based paint from January 13, 1971 until today. Body By Council Members Seabrook, Barron, Foster, Jackson, Jennings, Nelson, Perkins, Quinn, Recchia, Reed, Sanders and Vann; also Council Member Baez Whereas, Lead is a highly toxic metal that humans can still frequently be exposed to from a number of different sources, that can result in lead poisoning; and Whereas, The effects of lead poisoning are severe and include attention and learning difficulties, lowered IQ, coordination difficulty, mental retardation, kidney disease, heart disease, and death; and Whereas, Infants and children are more vulnerable to lead exposure and its dangerous effects because lead is more easily absorbed into growing bodies and because young tissues are more sensitive to lead's damaging effects; and Whereas, Section 4831 of Title 42 of the United States Code institutes prohibitions against the use of lead-based paint in cooking, drinking, and eating utensils, the use of lead-based paint in residential structures constructed by the Federal government or with Federal assistance, and the use of lead-based paint in toys and furniture; and Whereas, After the passage of this law on January 13, 1971 paint manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers should have been cognizant of the fact that lead-based paint is a dangerous and potentially toxic substance; and Whereas, Such manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers should have taken appropriate public safety measures; and Whereas, Other jurisdictions, including the State of Rhode Island, City of St. Louis, City of Philadelphia, and City of Milwaukee have instituted litigation against paint manufacturers; and Whereas, The Superior Court of Rhode Island allowed for damage claims based on findings of public nuisance, unjust enrichment, indemnity, unfair trade practices, and conspiracy for post-1970 conduct of paint manufacturers; and Whereas, The New York State Attorney General recognizes the continued threat of lead-based paint, acknowledging both the threat of lead poisoning and individual rights and responsibilities; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Attorney General to take appropriate legal action against any manufacturer, supplier, or retailer that may have knowingly manufactured, used, or supplied products or substances containing lead-based paint from January 13, 1971 until today. SJM LS#534 ?? - 2 -