NYC Renovation Essentials: Asbestos and Lead Removal
Renovating a property in the vibrant city of New York is an exciting prospect. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards, particularly asbestos and lead, which can lurk in older buildings. At NYTDR (New York Total Damage Restoration), we offer comprehensive services to address these concerns during your renovation, serving as your trusted partner for asbestos and lead removal, insurance representation, and even as your contractor and designer. Understanding the Risks: Asbestos and Lead Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials for its fire resistance and durability. However, it poses severe health risks when its fibers become airborne and are inhaled. These risks include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other respiratory conditions. Asbestos was commonly used in buildings constructed before the 1980s, making it a concern during renovations. Lead: Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes and buildings until 1978, when its health hazards became widely recognized. Lead exposure, especially for children, can lead to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and other health problems. Renovating properties with lead-based paint can release toxic lead dust and chips into the environment, making lead safety measures essential. When to Address Asbestos and Lead During NYC Renovations: Renovation or Demolition: If your renovation project involves disturbing or removing building materials, a thorough inspection and assessment for asbestos and lead are imperative. Property Age: Buildings constructed before specific regulatory changes (the 1980s for asbestos and 1978 for lead-based paint) are more likely to contain these hazardous materials. NYTDR’s Comprehensive Approach: NYTDR is your trusted partner when it comes to addressing asbestos and lead concerns during renovations. Here’s how we can assist you: Asbestos and Lead Inspection: Our certified professionals will conduct meticulous inspections of your property, identifying any asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint. We assess their condition and develop a comprehensive plan for safe removal. Removal and Abatement: Our skilled technicians follow strict industry guidelines for the safe removal and abatement of asbestos and lead materials. We ensure the health and safety of occupants and workers throughout the process. Insurance Representation: Dealing with insurance claims for asbestos and lead-related issues can be complex. NYTDR acts as your insurance representative, guiding you through the claims process and maximizing your coverage. Design and Renovation: As a full-service restoration company, we offer design and renovation services. Our expert designers and contractors will work with you to transform your space while ensuring it meets all safety and regulatory requirements. Comprehensive Peace of Mind: With NYTDR, you’re not just hiring services; you’re gaining a partner dedicated to your safety, property value, and overall satisfaction. We provide comprehensive solutions, ensuring peace of mind throughout your renovation project. Contact NYTDR Today: NYTDR is your all-in-one solution for asbestos and lead inspection, removal, insurance representation, and renovation in NYC. Don’t compromise on safety during your renovation journey; contact us today to ensure a secure and successful transformation of your property. Let’s collaborate to create the space you’ve envisioned, free from asbestos and lead concerns and full of possibilities.
Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention In New York City
If you’re living in or planning to move to New York City, you may be concerned about lead poisoning. Lead can come from various sources, including paint, soil, spices, and medicines. It can also cause health issues, particularly for children and expectant mothers. This guide focuses on lead poisoning from paint and how to prevent it effectively. What Is Lead, And Why Is It Dangerous? Lead is a natural metal mined from underground sources worldwide, but it is toxic if we’re exposed to it over time. It’s a neurotoxin that slowly accumulates in the body, poisoning the brain, bones, kidneys, and liver. When manufacturers add lead to paint, it improves the pigment to withstand sunlight, protects metal surfaces from corrosion, and makes the paint dry faster. Lead is also present in varnishes, primers, stains, and other paint-related applications. Unfortunately, lead is toxic regardless of the amount, especially for children under six. According to the CDC, about 29 million homes have lead-based paint risks, such as peeling paint and contaminated dust; almost 9% of these homes have young children vulnerable to lead poisoning. Although New York City banned lead-based paint for residential buildings in 1960, hundreds of thousands of violations have been reported since 2018, with 48% of cases in the Bronx. This shows why lead in NYC is a serious concern for homeowners today. 5 Signs Of Lead Paint In Your Home Only an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified inspector can measure the amount of lead in your home using specialized tools. However, if you suspect your home has lead-based paint, look out for the following signs before you schedule an inspection. Your Home Was Built Before 1978 The EPA estimates that about half of all U.S. homes built before 1978 have lead-based paint, as do two out of three houses built between 1940 and 1960 and nine out of 10 built before 1940. Ask your landlord or previous owner for your building’s construction years; they must legally disclose this information for your safety. Note: Don’t rule out lead in NYC if your home is a post-1978 construction. Even though lead paint was banned, some builders still used it until the early 1990s. You See Damaged Paint In The Property Lead-based paints may be present inside and outside your home, but they cause no harm if intact. Damaged lead paint, however, is a severe threat to your health. Loose lead paint chips and contaminated dust are easy to touch, inhale, or ingest. Suppose your painted surfaces are peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, or accumulating dampness. In that case, they may add to lead levels in your home. In addition, high-risk surfaces like doors and windows, railings, stairs, and porches experience lots of traffic, increasing lead exposure. Your Surfaces Are Painted Over Adding a fresh coat of paint is often cheaper and quicker than stripping off the old paint. Unfortunately, this only hides layers of lead paint that pose a health risk. Find a spot that’s peeling or chipping away and check for sublayers. If your home is pre-1978 and you find multiple paint layers on the walls or other surfaces, it’s safe to assume lead-based paint is underneath. Your Home Test Kit Shows Positive For Lead The EPA recommends three lead test kits with under 5% false negative rate: the D-Lead, 3M Lead Check, and the State of Massachusetts Test Kit. Other brands are available, but they tend to yield inaccurate results. Use a home test kit to check for lead on the outermost paint layers. Check the same area twice or thrice to decrease your chances of getting a false negative or positive result. If you get a positive reading from different regions of your house, get a professional inspection to verify the results. Note: You can also send paint chip samples for further testing at an EPA-accredited lab. A reading of over 0.5% means the paint is lead-based. Take care not to disturb too much of the old paint when taking samples, and be prepared to wait up to several weeks for results. You Have Symptoms Of Lead Poisoning Lead poisoning is hard to trace until the body accumulates a certain amount of toxicity. Still, there are some telltale symptoms to watch out for. In newborns: If a pregnant mother experiences lead poisoning, the baby may be born prematurely or have a low birth weight and difficulty reaching developmental milestones. In children: Lead poisoning symptoms include weight loss, stomach pains, vomiting and constipation, irritability, fatigue, and learning difficulties. In adults: Persistent headaches, high blood pressure, stomach and muscle pains, mood disorders, weakness, and memory difficulties are some symptoms of lead poisoning in adults. If you or your loved ones experience these symptoms while living in a pre-1978 home in NYC, and all the other signs check out (peeled paint, layers of paint, and a positive lead reading), see your healthcare provider for lead poisoning tests. How To Prevent Lead Paint Poisoning In NYC You don’t have to wait for severe lead poisoning symptoms if you live in an old home in NYC. If you discover signs of lead-based paint on your property, we highly recommend renovation to eliminate the toxicity and restore your home. However, you can take the following steps to minimize lead exposure as you prepare to renovate. Step 1: Keep Your Home Dust-Free Lead becomes dangerous when airborne as it spreads quickly throughout your home. Don’t let dust accumulate on surfaces like your floors, tables, countertops, or floors. Also, don’t shake off your carpets and rugs or dry sweep your floors. Use a wet mop to trap dust particles or a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter; empty the dust canister or vacuum bag after each use. Step 2: Keep Your Hands Clean You may come into contact with lead paint dust particles during your everyday home routines, e.g., holding onto staircase railings, opening windows, or shutting doors. To avoid ingesting lead, wash your hands before every meal and bedtime; teach your kids to do
How to Identify Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos is a mineral found naturally in certain types of rock worldwide. From the beginning of the 1940s to the 1970s, asbestos was widely used in manufacturing products, particularly building materials. This was because of its; Fire resistance Durability Reasonably low price Sadly, it was later discovered that exposure to asbestos fibers presents severe risks to respiratory health. Exposure to asbestos fibers can also lead to other health complications; asbestos Lung cancer Non-cancerous lung disease There is no cure for these illnesses, which all result in death. Places You Can Find Asbestos in Your Home? The United States outlawed spray-on asbestos and several other uses in the late 1970s, which significantly reduced the use of asbestos. However, asbestos is still present in some older houses. In such homes, asbestos may be present in various construction materials like paint, floor tiles, and insulation. Furthermore, before the 1980s, many American homes and public buildings, including schools and government housing, contained asbestos in the following materials: Some vinyl floor tiles Asbestos insulation around steam lines Cement asbestos board siding/under sheeting Asbestos roofing felt for shingles textured paintestos-containing vermiculite insulation Vinyl floor tiles Although many residential applications for asbestos are no longer allowed, it is still permitted in the US for over a handful of other applications. Signs Your Home Might Have Asbestos It is difficult to detect asbestos, which can often hide in plain view inside your house. Asbestos can appear as green, brown, or blue fluffy fibers. However, tiny fragments can also be present in materials such as cement or plastic, making them difficult to identify by yourself. Asbestos is hazardous when disturbed, so you should never dig around to look for it. While you can gather samples for testing, it is much better if an asbestos expert handles the task. Here are a few signs your house might contain asbestos: It has been around since the early 1980s Has corrugated roofing It has an older cement water tank It contains vinyl flooring or millboard included between 1952 and 1982 Has vermiculite insulation Have walls or other interior surfaces made of cement sheets Everyday Asbestos Exposure at Home The following are some of the common ways Asbestos exposure can occur at home ways: DIY home improvements, such as attic remodeling Replacing a worn-out pipeline. Drilling holes through drywall Vinyl floor tile removal Cutting Insulation on Pipes Removal of popcorn ceiling When to Carry Out Asbestos Testing for Your Home [https://pixabay.com/photos/sign-caution-asbestos-spray-paint-3789310/] In the 20th century, constructors mainly used asbestos in building materials and home insulation, and it’s easy to see why. Asbestos is durable and can resist heat, corrosion, and electricity. However, over the years, studies have found asbestos to be highly toxic, which has led to its ban. Statistics show that asbestos-related diseases causes 255,000 deaths annually. These illnesses include: Stomach tumors Asbestosis Stroke Pleural plaques Most homeowners might never need to have their houses tested for asbestos. Simply having asbestos in your house is not dangerous, as asbestos fibers are only a health hazard when inhaled. However, you should hire an expert to conduct an asbestos test if you; Intend to do construction work Observe damage to some of the drywall, siding, or piping Plan to remodel Have other concerns. How Asbestos Testing Works The length of the inspection procedure will depend on how big your house is. It may take hours or some days. The asbestos expert will do the following while inspecting your home; Turn off the heating and cooling systems to avoid the dispersal of any particles. Cover the surface beneath the test area with a solution of water and soap to minimize the discharge of fibers. Take tiny bits of potentially hazardous material. The aim is to disturb it as least as possible. Place the contaminated material into a secured container for shipping Clean the inspection area and throw away any remaining materials Gather any loose materials or fibers, not in the covered area with a wet cloth Submit the sample material to an accredited laboratory for testing. What to Do If Your Home Has Asbestos Following the discovery of asbestos in your home, your next course of action will depend on the following; The type of asbestos Its location Whether friable or not Friable asbestos could readily disintegrate, releasing hazardous airborne particles. However, some materials containing asbestos are non-friable and are still secure if they’re in excellent shape. Your contracted asbestos expert may then decide to remove the asbestos or repair the affected areas with an encapsulant or covering, depending on the state of the asbestos. You will need to leave the house until an air test shows clear of all residue should the expert find it necessary to remove the asbestos. Asbestos removal is typically more expensive than a repair, but if you first repair, asbestos removal may be more challenging and costly in the future. 1. Enscapulation (sealing) Encapsulation is the application of a sealant to the material, which either coats the asbestos material or bonds the asbestos fibers to prevent fiber release. This method is efficient for furnace, pipe, and boiler insulation. 2. Covering(enclosure) Covering entails wrapping a jacket or protective wrap around the asbestos-containing substance to prevent fiber release. Never try to remove asbestos yourself from your house, as improper asbestos handling may create additional problems. You should always engage a specialist. Asbestos removal may seem expensive, but it is worth it. The average cost of asbestos removal ranges from $1,100 to $2,800. Guidelines for A Safe Asbestos Removal Obtain written confirmation from the contractor that they complied with all applicable asbestos removal and disposal laws Ensure to engage only contractors granted state authorization to do asbestos abatement work. Request references and recently completed comparable projects. Request a disposal manifest before settling the final invoice to confirm that the contractor will dispose of the material in a landfill authorized to accept asbestos. Find out if the company has ever had safety violations. Contact the local air pollution control board, the organization in charge of worker safety, and the Better Business Bureau. Confirm the contractor
Lead Poisoning in The Home
Lead is a harmful metal occurring naturally in the earth’s crust and can harm human and animal health. Lead poisoning results from long-term exposure to high levels of lead in the body. Anyone can get lead poisoning. Children six years and below are, however, more vulnerable. Children as still growing; thus, their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to lead poisoning effects. Lead poisoning can cause severe health complications, and other consequences include learning and behavioral issues and long-term intellectual disabilities. Sources of Lead Exposure in the Home Sources of lead poisoning include: 1. Lead in Paint The federal government prohibited the use of lead-based paints in 1978. As a result, if you live in a home built before that date, it is very likely to have lead-based paint. Today, this paint is still present in older homes beneath layers of new lead-free paint. Lead-based paint is harmless when in good condition; however, it becomes hazardous when it deteriorates through peeling, chalking, cracking, or dampness. This situation requires immediate attention. When this paint cracks or peels, it emits lead dust, which is hazardous when inhaled. Lead dust will settle on the floor and other surfaces as well. Children get exposed when they put lead-contaminated objects in their mouths and get exposed when they put hands with lead dust in their mouths. 2. Lead in Tap Water Plumbing materials manufactured before 1986 may contain lead. Lead pipes and brass plumbing fixtures can contaminate tap water with lead. Contamination happens when these plumbing materials corrode, and corrosion occurs when metal wears away from pipes and plumbing fixtures. Corrosion is more intense when the water is acidic or contains low mineral content. 3. Lead in Soil Some pre-1978 homes may have lead-contaminated soil, playgrounds, and yards. This happens when the lead-based paint peels or flakes, allowing lead into the soil. Other sources of lead contamination in soil include: Use of leaded gasoline in automobiles during the previous years Industrial sources Contaminated sites such as past lead smelters Lead being naturally occurring, maybe in high concentrations in certain areas Lead-contaminated soil is a dangerous source of lead exposure that can occur through; Ingestion by children due to the hand-to-mouth activity common with them Eating fruits and vegetables grown in lead-contaminated garden soil Inhaling lead in soil suspended in the air Lead in the soil as dust particles or on pets, clothing, or shoes 4. Lead in Foods and Other Consumer Products Foods Some imported consumer goods into the United States may contain lead. Among these items are traditional medicines, toys, and cosmetics. Lead is also in objects whose manufacture is disallowed but handed down generations. a) Candy Chili powder and tamarind are two candy ingredients that may contain lead. Candy contamination occurs when the ingredients are not dried, ground, or stored correctly. The ink from candy wrappers may also have lead, which leaches into the candy. Two candy ingredients that may contain lead are chili powder and tamarind, and the ingredients become contaminated with lead if mishandled. In addition, candy wrapper ink may have lead, which leaches into the candy. Certain spices imported from Vietnam, Syria, and India also contain lead. b) Traditional Medicines Indian, Middle Eastern, and Hispanic cultures use traditional medicines to treat various ailments. Some of these medications may contain lead, which is knowingly or unknowingly added to these medicines during manufacturing, and their packaging may also contain lead. c) Cosmetics and Jewelry Lead is prevalent in certain Nigerian cosmetic products such as Tiro. Lead is also present in ‘Sindoor,’ a traditional Hindu cosmetic. Married women use the red sindoor powder as a visual marital marker by married women. Lead jewelry can be fatal if swallowed or placed in the mouth. A child died in 2006 as a result of severe lead poisoning, and this was after eating a lead-contaminated heart-shaped metallic char. The charm was attached to a metal bracelet given away free with the purchase of Reebok International Ltd shoes. d) Toys Toys manufactured before the ban on the use of lead may contain lead. Additionally, collectibles passed down through generations may expose you to lead poisoning. Children get exposed to lead when they swallow or put in their mouths such toys. 5. Lead in Workplaces and Other Activities Some jobs may expose you to lead. Such jobs include; Lead abatement or lead removal from lead-contaminated buildings or environmental sites Demolition of lead-contaminated structures or buildings Manufacturing of products such as batteries containing or coated with lead Renovation, repair, or remodeling of buildings contaminated with lead Recycling materials Melting of lead-containing products Mineral processing activities such as mining or smelting Working with firearms, e.g., military Some adults also have lead-based hobbies such as pottery making and hunting. These people may also bring lead into their homes on their clothing and shoes. As a result, lead may find its way onto floors, furniture, and other surfaces, exposing family members to it. 6. Pregnancy Women affected by lead as children may have lead deposited in their bones. During pregnancy, the lead may pass to the fetus. Symptoms of Lead Poisoning Those exposed to lead often do not exhibit symptoms. Lead poisoning symptoms do not appear immediately. However, they may develop over time or flare up sporadically. Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include; Headaches Feet and legs numbness Abdominal pain Personality changes Loss of sex drive Infertility Anemia Symptoms of lead poisoning in children include; Fatigue Headaches Muscle cramps Vomiting Changes in behavior Hyperactivity Anemia Learning problems Complications from Lead Poisoning In children Lead exposure can cause long-term harm, particularly in children. Lead poisoning in children can affect almost all their body systems and organs. Among the effects are: Hyperactivity Behavioral problems Growth delay Lowered IQ Hearing problems Learning difficulties Seizure, coma, and even death in elevated blood lead levels In adults Lead poisoning in grown-ups can lead to serious health complications, including; Reproductive issues Kidney problems High blood pressure Risk Factors Younger children are more vulnerable to lead
No Lead in NYC Water Fountains – LeadFreeNYC
Over 3500 water fountains in New York’s parks will be tested for lead contamination in the next couple of weeks. Contrary to popular belief that this must be a result of discovering lead contamination in the water, not one of NYC parks water fountain was ever found to contain any level of lead. The lead testing initiative is part of the city’s LeadFreeNYC program, outlined by Mayor Bill de Blasio earlier this year to further lower and eventually eliminate any amount of lead exposure New Yorkers get. Dangers of LEAD in NYC What makes Lead Dangerous and Why should you test your children for elevated blood lead levels? A number of factors increase the likelihood of lead exposure and risks. Building built before 1970 when lead in paint was standard practices. Children under the age of 6 living in the apartment The effects of lead poisoning are . This form of poisoning leads to major problems that include reduced IQ, brain damage, slurred speech, behavioral disorders, fine motor skills development issues, and lifetime negative health effects. It causes victims to need speech and occupational therapy treatments on an ongoing basis. And Lead Poisoning is preventable! How does lead get INTO the Water? Drinking water can become contaminated when pipes, faucets and other plumbing fixtures containing lead corrode, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. #LEADFREENYC In January 2019, NYC Mayor de Blasio announced LeadFreeNYC, a Comprehensive Plan to End Childhood Lead Exposure. Under the new plan, within 24 months every new apartment, every source of lead and every child would be screened for lead exposure and dealt with accordingly. The Lead Free NYC plan is not an entirely new one. Since 2004 the City’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Act has required landlords to identify and remediate lead-based paint hazards in the apartments of young children, using trained workers and safe work practices. The new LeadFreeNYC plan aims to: Enforce existing laws and regulations Develop new prevention and mitigation programs across NYC agencies and the City Council. Pass new legislation aimed at eliminating lead exposure in New York City When LEAD Becomes A Serious Health Hazard Despite the fact that there is no safe lead level It is continuous exposure the danger is far greater. Dr. Landrigan has warned that smoking greatly multiplies the chances of getting lung cancer after a person has become exposed to asbestos and living in a peeling lead based paint apartment over time increases the risk. The Importance of Calling A Professional While it may be tempting to try and test for lead and remove it on your own.. don’t! The American Lung Association strongly recommends that you retain a professional like a certified lead inspection NYC worker to gather potentially harmful lead and asbestos samples for testing NYC. This will allow you to reduce the likelihood of dangerous lead and asbestos exposure for your family. NYTDR offers lead removal NYC. Should any swab tests of your apartment building in NYC reveal that building surfaces or paint used contain lead you will be require t lead removal NYC. You can take stronger precautions still. If you fear that your apartment has lead, you can wear filter masks when you clean. If you elect to do this, remember that surgical masks do not impede tiny particles. You would have to get a N95 mask that is approved and recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.y at your local hardware store or Home Depot. These are the safety masks that carpenters swear by in their daily work.
Lead in Pre War Buildings in NYC
New York City has long held an admired reputation for its consistent and long-lasting war on the phenomenon of lead poisoning New York. While the U.S. did not enforce a national ban on lead paint until 1978, the city enforced one starting in 1960. In 2004, NYC came up with a housing law to aim for eliminating the childhood scourge of lead poisoning over the coming six years. To this effect, New York provided completely free home lead testing NYC services, pledged to deal with lead deterioration hazards, and billed the landlords when they would not voluntarily comply. This and another housing law that Mayor Bill de Blasio co-sponsored helped to reduce exposure to the childhood lead poisoning disease year in and out through addressing lead paint in apartment buildings. It helped that these new laws targeted the offending landlords of dangerous buildings. Yet New York City has fallen down on two important provisions as they have not proactively found and fixed the dangers. Instead they waited until kids became poisoned before they moved against the offending landlords. Proof of the Existence of Lead in Many Pre-War Buildings in NYC Reveals It Is All Too Common There is no doubt of the issues surrounding the presence of lead and asbestos in New York City. The 2004 Local Law 1 provided a broad mandate to HPD (Housing Preservation and Development) for investigating and citing landlords whose buildings had lead paint dangers. In the last 14 years, the HPD gave out violations citations to New York City landlords on over 230,000 individual cases as the city set out to answer the rhetorical question can you get rid of lead poisoning. The good news is that the rates of exposure in NYC have declined across the city and significantly. They are down by as much as 86 percent from 2005. Yet this lead abatement NYC figure stalled out from years 2012 to 2015. The problem in New York City comes from the fact that fully 70 percent of all housing supply in the city was constructed either in or before the 1950’s. Until 1960, lead was all too common in standard paint. It only takes a child swallowing a quantity of lead paint equal to a flake the size of a dime or a little paint dust to poison a toddler aged child. The latest investigations done by Reuters showed that areas of risk for lead paint are not confined to only poorer apartment buildings. The areas of contamination run across all demographic groups and neighborhoods across the city, even wealthier ones. For year 2015, a troubling 5,400 children in the city tested elevated lead blood levels of at least five micrograms per deciliter. Over 800 boasted twice as high or higher levels according to NYC’s most recent annual lead report. Brooklyn is the neighborhood that had the largest numbers of children tested high for lead levels. This was true in poorer neighborhoods as well as the historic brownstones where real estate prices are skyrocketing. In areas where renovation of existing properties or new construction is occurring, the toxin is most commonly and easily released. Three factors increase the risk of lead paint dangers. If the builder constructed the structure before year 1960 and it has three or a greater number of apartments, then it is a high risk case for any child who is six years or younger dwelling in the apartment. Understanding If There Are Dangers of Lead Poisoning and How People Become Exposed There is some encouraging news for those who are worried. Only having lead paint in a building or even apartment does not guarantee a dramatic health risk. Paint that is entirely intact and does not demonstrate evidence of chipping, flaking, or peeling should be left alone. It is critical to examine the walls, door frames, and windows when lead-based paint is present. If there are obvious signs of chipping pain or worn paint, this is when the situation becomes more dangerous. It is not only through ingesting the toxic paint that the poisoning can occur. When the paint becomes airborne as dust, it increases the risk of becoming ingested by occupants of the house or apartment significantly. Lead poisoning creates some dramatic and lasting effects on people who breathe in or ingest the lead paint particles. We look more at this in the next section. What Are The Effects of Lead Poisoning and Who Does Lead Poisoning Affect? The effects of lead poisoning are downright frightening. This form of poisoning leads to major problems that include reduced IQ, brain damage, slurred speech, behavioral disorders, fine motor skills development issues, and lifetime negative health effects. It causes victims to need speech and occupational therapy treatments on an ongoing basis. The question of who the victims are is the most tragic part of the lead paint poisoning story. It is babies, infants, and young children who are primarily impacted by this terrible scourge. In the first investigation of this type, reporters for Reuters gained access to the blood testing data of New York children on a census neighborhood level basis. This allowed them to break down the results to areas of around 4,000 residents per census block. It only needs a few square blocks to equal this amount of inhabitants in highly and densely populated NYC. The areas that seem to be most dangerous for lead poisoning making infants and children sick are Queens, Coney Island, and Brooklyn. These rates of lead poisoning in the 69 studied census tracts of New York City are twice as high as Flint, Michigan and its infamous water contamination crisis. It may be true that many of the neighborhoods of NYC have all but eliminated lead poisoning cases, but Reuters did find these 69 census neighborhoods that suffered from minimally 10 percent of little children with elevated levels. This was based on the 11 year sample of the study that occurred from 2005 to 2015. Even some wealthy census districts suffered from