The Department of Education recently informed the UFT that it discovered potential lead exposure from peeling paint in early child education classrooms in roughly 300 schools.
The UFT will be closely following the DOE’s efforts to ensure that all the classrooms where peeling lead paint was found in the latest inspection are made safe, and we will keep you updated.
Lead-based paint was banned in New York City in 1960 but remains in some older school buildings. It is not regarded as a health hazard in these buildings as long as the painted surface remains intact. Peeling lead paint, however, may result in dust that small children can ingest from coming in contact with dusty surfaces.
The DOE protocol calls for regular inspections for peeling paint. Any peeling surfaces should be sealed up and painted over. Independent experts then conduct tests to prove that the remediation was successful.
Read more from the DOE about lead-based paint safety »
Adults are generally regarded as less susceptible to lead exposure in this form, but if school staffers are concerned about their own situation, they should be advised to speak to a medical doctor.
Call the UFT at 212-331-6311 if you have additional questions or concerns and ask to speak with a safety specialist.