Management of L’Ecole accused of ignoring health concerns

The managers of L’Ecole at 212 East 47th Street have ignored health complaints about dangerous levels of the carcinogen crystalline silica in apartments, according to court papers, the New York Post reported.

Resident Steven Rosenhaus said the management of the condominium and rental building had shown a “total disregard for human life,” and said he has had serious breathing problems since his apartment was covered with dust containing pulverized fiberglass and other material while the facade was being redone in 2008. Tests on Rosenhaus’ apartment showed the dust was rife with crystalline silica, a carcinogen found in mortar that can cause lung disease.

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Subsequent tests have shown similarly high levels of the toxin in more than a dozen other units, according to the Post, and other residents have complained as well. Doctors and state Sen. Liz Krueger wrote to the building’s condo board, sponsor and property manager Extell and Cammeby’s, asking them to notify all residents of the health risk and to test 270 apartments, but they allegedly have refused. Krueger said that in response, “we received a letter saying no one else had complained and accusing [Rosenhaus] of making this stuff up.” An Extell representative said “there were no health issues” when it managed the building. A lawyer for the facade-work contractor, Tower Building Services, didn’t return a call for comment. [Post]