BILL NUMBER: S4377
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
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.
 
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. The American Academy
of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, further indicates that while a previ-
ous 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. These are irritants that provoke occupational asthma and
include hydrochloric 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 immediately after exposure to the irritant substance. Workers
who already have asthma or some other respiratory disorder are partic-
ularly affected by this type of exposure.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S4404 Comrie/ A9479 Hyndman
S5830 2022
S 2400 COMRIE Same as A 3710 Cymbrowitz
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it
shall have become a law.