MTA asserts that the lead paint removal on the elevated subway line in Brooklyn does not pose a threat to public safety, despite local anxieties.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is working to strip toxic lead paint from elevated tracks at Myrtle Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn, as part of a $9 billion commitment to repaint, repair, and rehabilitate miles of elevated structures systemwide. The work, which involves blasting away layers of paint more than 100 years old and recoating the steel structure, is expected to be completed on the J line by spring 2026 and the M line by summer of that year.
However, the ongoing construction has created headaches for businesses beneath the tracks in Bushwick, as reported by Brooklyn Paper, a sister publication of this platform, in April. Some business owners have complained of headaches and construction water spraying into their spaces, while others have expressed concerns about the effectiveness of tarps in containing lead dust.
One local resident has even complained about the blasting being so loud it triggers noise alerts on their Apple Watch. Some users on social media forums have also expressed concerns about breathing in lead during the work.
Dr. Michael Chary, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist, stated that the risks from lead paint removal depend largely on the method being used. The MTA is now using sandblasting, a method adapted from large bridge projects, to remove lead paint and extend the life of its infrastructure.
Despite the agency's assurances that the work is being done inside airtight containment tents, with monitoring at "dozens of different points" around the site, some residents are not convinced about the safety of the work. They are taking precautions such as wearing masks and handing them out through Concejo De Los Pueblos Originarios, a nonprofit located near the station.
Dr. Chary suggested talking with a doctor about getting blood testing if there is concern for ongoing exposure to lead. He also recommended wearing an N95 mask, wiping down surfaces, removing shoes, and washing hands to protect against lead exposure.
Officials have stated that tests so far show no cause for concern. However, lead concentrations of paint chips from the J and M lines were found to be about 63,000 parts per million, more than 12 times the federal hazard limit. This has led some to question the safety of the work.
The rehabilitation work stretches beyond Myrtle Avenue and covers six stations from Myrtle Avenue to Fresh Pond Road. The MTA's revised contracting strategy, moving from geographic to linear bundling, is aimed at improving efficiency and delaying the need for major repairs.
New Yorkers can contact Poison Control directly or use its online tool to get tailored guidance after a possible lead exposure. As the work continues, it is important for residents and businesses to stay informed and take necessary precautions to protect themselves from potential lead exposure.
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