Assembly Resolution No. 1050

BY: M. of A. Rivera

LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Kathy
Hochul to proclaim October 20-26, 2024, as Lead
Poisoning Prevention Week in the State of New York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing
official weeks established to increase awareness of serious issues that
affect the lives of all New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 20-26, 2024, as Lead Poisoning
Prevention Week in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observation of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week; and

WHEREAS, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) aims to
help individuals, organizations, and state and local governments work
together to reduce childhood exposure to lead; and

WHEREAS, It is important to discuss lead poisoning prevention and
response, raise awareness about the sources of lead exposure, and share
helpful initiatives, policies, and resources; and

WHEREAS, Human exposure to lead is a global public health issue;
inhaled or consumed lead causes long-term consequences and irreversible
damage among children and adults; and

WHEREAS, Lead poisoning at very high levels can be fatal, and low
blood lead levels can profoundly affect the brain and nervous system;
and

WHEREAS, Childhood lead poisoning is considered the most preventable
environmental disease affecting children, and data shows that
particularly in communities like the City of Buffalo with old housing
stock, childhood lead poisoning remains a major risk for many families;
and

WHEREAS, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends
early childhood lead screening to identify asymptomatic exposure as well
as targeted screening of at-risk children according to known risk
patterns; and

WHEREAS, Moreover, homes built before 1978 should be tested for
potential lead hazards, and the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration has recommended reducing or eliminating workplace lead
exposures through engineering controls such as substitution, isolation
and ventilation; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body encourages cities across New York
State to implement policies that take a proactive approach to lead
mitigation in their communities, like the Proactive Rental Inspection
program in Buffalo which authorizes the City to work with inspectors to
help residents identify lead hazards and resources to mitigate them; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes that more resources are
needed to address the true cost of lead remediation in both public and
private buildings across New York State; and

WHEREAS, National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, observed annually
during the last week of October, addresses the public health burden
caused by the widespread use of lead and lead products and advances the
goal of eliminating childhood lead poisoning in the United States; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 20-26, 2024, as
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week in the State of New York; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.