Relates to the use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products in nursing homes and adult homes

Title of bill

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to the use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products in nursing homes, residential care facilities and adult homes

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish guidelines for the use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products in nursing homes, residential health care facilities, adult homes and senior centers.

Summary of specific provisions

Section I. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 2808-e. This section defines the following terms: nursing home, residential health care facility, adult home and senior center.

The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioners of environmental conservation and labor, shall establish and from time to amend guidelines and specifications for environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products for use in nursing homes, residential health care facilities, senior centers and adult homes. Commissioners shall review and evaluate existing research regarding environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products, including but not limited to, research and guidance issued by the United States EPA and the office of the federal environmental executive.

The commissioner shall disseminate guidelines and specifications for the purchase and use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products. He shall also prepare and disseminate a sample list of environmentally-sensitive cleaning products that meet these guidelines or specifications.

On or before June first, two thousand eleven, the department shall issue a report providing an analysis of the impact of such guidelines and specifications on the purchasing, procurement and use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products. Nothing in this section shall preclude these institutions from depleting existing cleaning and maintenance supply stores purchased prior to the effective date of this sections.

Justification

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that exposure to air pollutants while indoors can be two to five times higher than outdoor levels. Senior citizens, who typically Spend substantial portions of the day indoors, are especially vulnerable to chemicals from Cleaners, waxes, deodorizers and other maintenance products. Many elderly New Yorkers Suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (copd), including asthma, emphysema, and allergies. This legislation would address this health concern by establishing guidelines for the Use of environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products in nursing homes, residential health care facilities, adult homes and senior centers. These guidelines will mandate a transition to environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance supplies commonly found in the marketplace. The required changes will reduce the possibility of exposure to senior citizens and staff to potentially harmful chemicals found in many cleaning products.

Prior legislative history

New Bill.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the first of September next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law, provided that the Commissioner of health is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement the provisions of this act on or before its effective date.