Res. No. 460
Resolution calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to require that all contractors hired by the Authority are certified by the Society for Protective Coating in the appropriate standards for lead abatement.
By Council Members Crowley, Gonzalez, Jackson, James, Palma, Rose, Van Bramer, Williams and Rodriguez
Whereas, According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the improper removal of lead-based paint from structures can generate large of 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, about one in twenty-two children in America have high levels of lead in their blood; 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 State Department of Health, sixty percent of adults in New York State that were determined to have high lead levels in their blood, work in the construction trade; 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 Coating (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 well being of MTA riders and workers; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on 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.
N.L.
LS# 1417
9/16/10