Toxic Homes: Exposure to indoor toxins in Bushwick

Abstract

In order to learn how to best address the extensive problem of indoor toxins in people's homes in Bushwick, in the Fall of 2009, Make the Road NY conducted 120 surveys and interviews in the community and compiled this report. "Toxic Homes" reveals that Bushwick residents are exposed to high incidences of pests and pesticides in their homes. We show that current city regulations fail to hold negligent landlords accountable for making necessary repairs in people's homes. We also find that while community members are overwhelmingly interested learning less toxic and more effective approaches, such as IPM, to controlling pests besides pesticides, they currently lack the educational resources to implement these safer practices. We conclude our report by recommending that community groups and the DOHMH provide greater education for tenants about IPM alternatives and that the City should create enforceable regulations for indoor asthma triggers