File #: Res 1571-2008    Version: * Name: NYCHA to review its infrastructure and address a possible correlation between air vents, water pipes and asthma, which may result in an increase in asthma among its residents.
Type: Resolution Status: Filed
Committee: Committee on Housing and Buildings
On agenda: 8/14/2008
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling upon the New York City Housing Authority to review its infrastructure and address a possible correlation between air vents, water pipes and asthma, which may result in an increase in asthma among its residents.
Sponsors: Letitia James, Lewis A. Fidler, Annabel Palma, Alan J. Gerson
Council Member Sponsors: 4

Res. No. 1571

 

Resolution calling upon the New York City Housing Authority to review its infrastructure and address a possible correlation between air vents, water pipes and asthma, which may result in an increase in asthma among its residents.

 

By Council Members James, Fidler, Palma and Gerson

 

Whereas, The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) is the largest public housing agency (PHA) in the country; and

                     Whereas, NYCHA has 344 projects containing 2,691 buildings spread throughout the City; and

                     Whereas, NYCHA provides affordable housing for approximately 414,000 tenants residing in approximately 180,000 apartments; and

                     Whereas, According to NYCHA, 3 projects are at least 70 years old; 14 projects are at least 60 years old; 63 projects are 50 to 59 years old; 76 projects are 40 to 49 years old, and 94 projects are 30 to 39 years old; and

Whereas, According to the American Lung Association (ALA), asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses; and

Whereas, The ALA estimates that 4.8 million children under 18 years of age have asthma, and many others have “hidden” or undiagnosed asthma; and

Whereas, According to an article titled, Asthma Symptoms in Relation to Building Dampness and Odour in Older Multifamily Houses in Stockholm, published in the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (Volume 5, Number 5), it was found that high indoor air humidity and water leakage in buildings were directly related to respiratory problems, including asthma; and

Whereas, According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in certain City neighborhoods, including Central Harlem, East Harlem, Morrisania, Highbridge, Central Brooklyn, Bushwick and Williamsburg, children are approximately twice as likely to have asthma as children in other parts of the City; and

                     Whereas, These neighborhoods are home to a significant number of public housing residents; and 

Whereas, Improving the infrastructure at public housing projects, will improve the health of NYCHA’s residents, and may specifically lead to a decrease in asthma, now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York City Housing Authority to review its infrastructure and address a possible correlation between air vents, water pipes and asthma, which may result in an increase in asthma among its residents.

 

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