Provides that the MTA shall not use cleaning materials or chemicals which may cause asthma or trigger or exacerbate the symptoms of asthma

BILL NUMBER:S5305

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to prohibiting the metropolitan transportation authority from using cleaning materials or chemicals which may cause or exacerbate asthma

Purpose

This bill would prohibit the Metropolitan Transportation Authority from using cleaning materials identified as asthma triggers. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, further indicates that while a previous personal or family history of allergies will make a person more likely to develop occupational asthma, many individuals who have no such history still will develop this disease if exposed to conditions that trigger it. One cause of occupational asthma is known as Direct Irritant Effects. It is the intent of this legislation to prevent the use of those cleaning materials and chemicals which may cause persons employed by, or persons using the facilities and equipment of, the metropolitan transportation authority to develop asthma, or to have symptoms of asthma triggered or exacerbated.

Existing law

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Justification

Occupational asthma has become the most prevalent work-related lung disease in developed countries. According to the American Lung Associ- ation, ammonia and chlorine are among cleaning solvents and chemical irritants that have been proven asthma triggers. According to the Feder- al Centers for Disease Control (CDC), asthma rates have gone up 105 percent for females over the past 15 years, compared to about a 41 percent increase for males. Asthma hits the highest in low income neigh- borhoods, with the largest minority population; these are the people who use public transportation the most.

Furthermore, the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) says that over the past decade, the prevalence of asthma in both chil- dren and adults has increased in the United States. Workplace exposures have been linked to exacerbations of asthma.

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, further indi- cates that while a previous personal or family history of allergies will make a person more likely to develop occupational asthma, many individ- uals who have no such history still will develop this disease if exposed to conditions that trigger it.

One cause of occupational asthma is known as Direct Irritant Effects. These are irritants that provoke occupational asthma and include hydro- chloric acid, sulfur dioxide or ammonia, which is found in the petroleum or chemical industries. Workers exposed to these substances will frequently begin wheezing and experiencing other asthma symptoms imme- diately after exposure to the irritant substance. Workers who already have asthma or some other respiratory disorder are particularly affected by this type of exposure.

Legislative history

2005-06 A.2792 Corporation, Authorities, & Commissions S.1247 Transpor- tation 2007-08 A.4986 Corporation, Authorities, & Commissions S.1744 Transpor- tation 2009-10 A.3974 Referred to Corporation, Authorities, & Commissions 2011-12 A.4305 Referred to Corporation, Authorities, & Commissions No Senate 2013-14 A.2167 Referred to Corporation, Authorities, & Commissions No Senate

Fiscal implications

None to the State

Local fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.