To sue over lead

THE MOTHER of a 2-year-old boy whose blood had dangerously high levels of lead plans to sue the city, claiming two agencies failed to detect the toxin in their Brooklyn apartment.

Natalia Rollins filed a notice of claim on Monday, saying her two children have been exposed to lead paint in their Coney Island apartment for the past two years because the Human Resources Administration and Department of Housing Preservation and Development dropped the ball on inspections.

She only learned in September that her son, Noah, had lead levels that were more than twice the danger threshold established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The toxin can affect a young child’s development.

“I want people to know that it’s not fair that we got placed in this apartment,” Rollins told the Daily News. “Home is supposed to be the safest place to be.”

Two years ago, Rollins and her family were living in a homeless shelter when they qualified for an HRA program that gave them a voucher to cover most of the cost of renting an apartment.

A broker helped Rollins find a two-bedroom apartment on W. 19th St. for $1,515 a month.

An HRA employee told her that the agency would first need to inspect the home before they could move in, the notice of claim says. HRA eventually gave her the goahead — even though the building had open housing violations, including for lead paint.

Rollins wasn’t aware of the violations or the reputation of the landlord, Ervin Johnson. He is No. 14 on the public advocate’s list of the city’s 100 worst landlords.

The family’s nightmare began shortly after they unpacked.

Part of the ceiling collapsed. The apartment had an infestation of mice and roaches as well as problems with hot water.

In early 2017, after repeated 311 complaints, an HPD inspector visited the apartment. The notice of claim says the inspector said that he wanted to check the apartment for lead paint — but he didn’t have his equipment.

The family says the inspector promised to follow up but didn’t.

Another HPD inspector came in July. This time part of the apartment was tested for lead paint — and the landlord was issued violations.

In September a blood test revealed the boy’s high lead levels, and the city Health Department was alerted. Only then did the city conduct a thorough inspection and issue an abate order on Oct. 4, the notice of claim says.

The city said it’s aggressively enforcing the violations against Johnson.

“This landlord has repeatedly failed their duty to safeguard our youngest New Yorkers,” mayoral spokeswoman Olivia Lapeyrolerie said.

Rollins is suing Johnson over the apartment as well. He could not be reached for comment.

Reuven Frankel, Rollins’ attorney, said while the effects of lead take time to manifest, Noah has shown early symptoms.

“His mom says he has become very fidgety and can’t stay still,” said Frankel, of Frankel Law Firm. “She’s concerned about him.”

Rollins and her family have been temporarily staying at Montefiore Medical Center’s lead safe house since the abatement. The mom has tried to find a new apartment with her voucher — but hasn’t had any luck.

“I felt I did all I can to get a roof for my family,” she said. “Again I am about to be homeless.”