Since the detection of TCE, a chemical that is carcinogenic to humans, within the South Hill community, Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton has worked to raise awareness about this health hazard and to find ways to safeguard residents. Last year, as a member of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, Lifton participated in a series of public hearings held by the committee to investigate the health threat vapor intrusion posed to South Hill residents. The committee released a report of its findings, "Vapor Intrusion of Toxic Chemicals: An Emerging Public Health Concern," which can be accessed through Assemblywoman Lifton’s Web page on the Assembly’s Web site at www.assembly.state.ny.us. Residents can also receive a copy of the report by calling her district office at 277-8030.

Lifton supports the report’s recommendation that the state take a proactive approach to addressing this problem by: enforcing a stricter standard for TCE toxicity, ensuring better disclosure and dissemination of information about vapor intrusion, and implementing a public health plan to better protect residents from potential health hazards.