Report: High Levels Of Silica Dust Found At 2nd Avenue Subway Construction Site
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A report has found that an air sample taken underground at the Second Avenue subway construction site had excessive levels of a dangerous dust particle.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration found three times the permissible level of silica underground at the site at 69th Street and Second Avenue during an inspection last November.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports
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One worker was exposed to the high levels which can cause silicosis – an incurable lung disease.
The OSHA inspection was requested by Assemblyman Micah Kellner in response to complaints from Upper East Side residents about the dust.
Kellner received the results last week.
The MTA said in a statement it is virtually impossible for the silica dust to rise to street level and is working with contractors to correct safety violations underground.
The Second Avenue subway line will be 1.7 miles long. It's due to open in 2016.
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