Executive Order Withholds County Public Assistance Payments to Landlords of Multi-Family Properties with Lead Issues

Several months ago, a New York county issued a new executive order that aimed at preventing its tax dollars from being used to support hazardous living conditions. The executive order is for homes subsidized by the County Department of Social Services (DSS).

The New York County had been working to tackle lead problems and elevated blood lead levels in children. Across the county, 5.2% of children tested were found to have the condition, in another NY county, the number grew to 11% as of last year. These figures are due in part to the fact that many homes in the region were built before the 1978 ban on the use of lead-based paints, one of the most common sources of lead exposure.

In announcing the initiative, a county executive in NY stated, “If you live in a multi-family property and there’s lead in one unit and the property owner receives assistance checks for multiple units, we are now going to hold all assistance checks until the lead issue is rectified in that one unit.” Tenants that receive rental assistance are also being advised to ask for a lead inspection before moving into a rental unit.

“Lead poisoning is preventable and no child or adult should be living in a home that exposes them to this hazard,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we have four laboratories in New York and dozens more across the country that can assist landlords, property managers, tenants, government agencies and building advocates in detecting lead exposure risks from paint, dust, soil, water and other sources. Our laboratories provide quick and affordable testing solutions, along with all of the sampling supplies needed. EMSL even carries easy-to-use test kits.”

EMSL has sponsored an educational video about lead risks in homes that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/bJQR9jNBnp8.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail