Lead Found In NYC Tap Water

Just a few days ago, The Sanders Firm shared information on contaminated water on Long Island. Today, a new report was released by The NYC Independent Budget and states that Riverdale is one of the neighborhoods with high levels of lead in the tap water.

According to the Department of Environmental Protection's website, the city monitors a selection of homes that have lead service lines, fixtures or solders. The department also says it adds phosphoric acid, a common food preservative, to the water that reduces the release of lead from household plumbing.

However, The DEC has expressed their own concerns and has offered these tips to protect the public:

• It's costly but property owners should replace their lead pipes.

-According to the study, there are currently no requirements to mandate removal of plumbing materials in private buildings, regardless of the lead concentration in the water.

• Run tap water until its cold. Use cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula.
• Do not boil water to remove lead, and make sure to clean faucet screens.
• Test water frequently. You can receive a free lead testing kit to anyone who requests one.

The study shows that lead levels in tap water have been trending down, and the issue is only affecting a small percentage of small, old buildings.

The City provides guides for tenants and landlords about Local Law 1. Local Law 1 of 2004 is a comprehensive law concerning the prevention of childhood lead poisoning through the fixing of lead paint hazards in housing and day care facilities.

Click here for the guide: https://www1.nyc.gov/nyc-resources/service/1952/lead-law-guide

The brochure Fix Lead Paint Hazards: What Landlords Must Do and Every Tenant Should Know explains landlord responsibilities, rules for repairs which may disturb lead paint, and tips to prevent lead poisoning.

For the @News12 story click here: http://bronx.news12.com/story/39180950/dec-offers-tips-after-lead-in-nyc-water-study

Everyone is entitled to have clean, safe water. The presence of lead in New York City drinking water is caused by corrosion, a reaction between the water and the metallic pipes or solder. When water comes in contact with plumbing that contains lead, the lead can be absorbed into the water. No matter where your drinking water comes from, it can become contaminated.

It takes a substantial amount of resources for a law firm to go up against property owners, management companies, large corporations or municipalities who are harming people. The Sanders Firm has a history of helping people and successful battles. As a nationally recognized law firm, The Sanders Firm has been dedicated to holding irresponsible parties accountable for over 50 years. If you suspect lead in your water or contamination and need legal advice, please call 1.800.FAIR.PLAY or visit our website: www.TheSandersFirm.com

Ritz & Goldfish May Have Salmonella

Ritz and Goldfish crackers among the growing list of related food recalls for possible salmonella contaminationhttps://www.cnn.com/2018/07/24/health/recalls-due-to-possible-salmonella-in-whey-protein/index.html

(CNN)The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a public health alert Friday for foods that contain whey powder. Whey powder is an ingredient regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used in a number of foods.

According to a 2017 study, whey powder is used to modify texture, thicken foods, gel foods and to enhance solubility and transportability of foods.

"The whey powder is an FDA-regulated product that is being voluntarily recalled by the producer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. (AMPI). Additional FSIS-regulated products containing the recalled whey powder may be added to this public health alert as more information becomes available," FSIS said in announcing the recall.

Symptoms of salmonella begin 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected and include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramping. This can last about four to seven days, and most individuals recover without treatment. However, those who develop severe diarrhea may need to be hospitalized. Those who are very young, who are very old or who have compromised immune systems are most at risk for complications and severe cases of illness.

No illnesses have been reported so far due to these recalls but consumers should not eat any of the recalled foods because they could make you sick.

It's All Fun And Games Until....

Injuries and Deaths at Amusement Parks Raise Serious Questions    A series of highly-publicized accidents at amusement parks and other popular tourist attractions have led to serious injuries as well as fatalities, causing many to question the sufficiency of the safety rules governing sites of this type. Even a cursory survey of the regulations and inspection requirements applicable in states across the country reveals an inconsistent patchwork of standards which may be to blame for some of the harm sustained by visitors each and every year. Recent accidents cause concern, outrage The summer of 2016 has been characterized by several catastrophic amusement park accidents which have left young patrons with severe injuries and, in some cases, have resulted in death. August alone saw the tragic decapitation of a ten-year-old Kansas boy on the "Verruckt" water slide at the Schlitterbahn water park as well as a Tennessee Ferris wheel failure which sent three girls plummeting to the ground. In May, an 11-year-old girl was essentially scalped in a carnival ride accident at a Cinco de Mayo festival in Nebraska. This summer also witnessed the death of a guest at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in North Carolina due to infection caused by an undetected amoeba later identified on site. READ MORE HERE 50 Years Of Helping  The Sanders Firm has been proud to serve our community for 50 years. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured from an amusement park accident, please call 1800-FAIR-PLAY today.  LINK TO OUR WEBSITE

A Personal Note From Partner, Ed Nitkewicz

         Advocate For Your Children!

I have been a personal injury attorney since 1992 when I was admitted to practice law in New York.  Since then, I have represented scores of people who were injured in automobile accidents, through medical negligence and from product defect. I have tried complex cases before juries  in both the Federal and State Courts of New York. Notwithstanding my resume, I was unprepared for my most important case ever: representing my own son on the Committee for Preschool Special Education for the South Huntington School District. You see, my son Edward was diagnosed with Autism in early 2001.  After he was diagnosed, I was emotionally devastated and cared little about acronyms such as IDEA, CPSE, CSE, LRE, or IEP. Instead, I wanted my son to be "all better."  I wanted to believe the speech teacher who told me that there was a little boy wrapped up inside this "shell" who just needed a little help getting out. I wanted him to have every treatment and therapy he was entitled to have as soon as he was supposed to have them. And I was angry that my poor child was developmentally disabled, angry enough to nearly alienate anyone from the education team who dared utter the word "no" to me. All parents of children diagnosed with autism or other developmental disability grapple with fear and anger over not just the disability but the overwhelming process of securing services for our children. Many parents fight with their school districts. Others sit quietly relying on the special education process to provide for their child. In almost all instances, we worry that we are not doing enough for our children.

When do I need an attorney or an advocate for my child? Hiring an advocate or attorney costs money. However, when communication has broken down between you and the district, consultation with a quality advocate or attorney can help you avoid further litigation (and the cost of it). This is often accomplished by bridging a communication impasse or by teaching you techniques to harness your emotions and to concisely ask for what you believe is most appropriate for your child's unique needs. You can always call The Sanders Firm for a consultation: 1.800.FAIR.PLAY