MTA crews are stripping toxic lead paint from the Myrtle Avenue elevated tracks in Bushwick, using blasting to remove layers more than a century old and recoating the steel structure. The agency reports work occurs inside airtight containment tents with monitoring at dozens of points and says tests so far show no cause for concern. Officials state odors will be temporary and not harmful and that national safety guidelines and required enclosures are being followed. Some residents and commuters remain worried about dust, noise and potential lead exposure, sharing concerns and urging mask use on social platforms.
The MTA says residents in Bushwick need not worry about donning masks while crews strip toxic lead paint from the elevated tracks at Myrtle Avenue. But some commuters through the century-old structure aren't convinced. The agency insists the work, which involves blasting away layers of paint more than 100 years old and recoating the steel structure, is being done inside airtight containment tents, with monitoring at "dozens of different points" around the site. Officials told amNewYork the tests so far show no cause for concern.
"Like most paint formulas, there will be an odor that is temporary and not harmful," an agency spokesperson said. "The MTA is following every national guideline that's recommended for safely carrying out this work, including required enclosures to contain debris."
"There are signs on Broadway saying they are removing lead, and it is a danger. The sound is unbearable. Are we all breathing in lead as they sandblast it off the trestles?"
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