Dr. Seth Eisenberg opposes 561-A on public-health grounds

Okay.

Yeah, good afternoon.

My name is Dr.

Seth Eisenberg, and I've spent many years on the front lines working for New York City Department of Health clinics.

I'm here today, again, to voice my strong opposition to Intro 561A.

And I also thank the many other doctors, such as those of the New York Clinicians for Climate Action, who are likewise voicing their strong opposition.

doctor for over 30 years.

I'm concerned about the adverse health effects of idling exhaust, and I really admire how the Citizens Air complaint program has been reducing idling.

Vehicle idling releases a concentrated mix of toxic pollutants, including fine particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide,

and even volatile organic compounds.

Nitrogen oxides and particulate matter severely irritate the airways, causing increased rates of asthma, emphysema, and lung cancer.

The fine particles easily cross into the bloodstream, promoting arterial plaque buildup and directly triggering heart attacks and strokes.

Sustained exposure to idling fumes are associated with faster brain aging and increased risks of dementia and Parkinson's disease, as well as depression and anxiety.

Even exposure during early childhood is linked to brain inflammation with reduced cognitive function, lower memory and IQ scores.

And behavioral issues.

Idling air pollution contributes to insulin resistance, increasing the risk of developing diabetes and obesity.

Idling fumes lower fertility, even by damaging sperm DNA and reducing ovarian reserves.

And in my opinion, worst of all, even in pregnancy,

Idling exhaust increases the risk of miscarriage and highly problematic premature birth.

Now, every big company with trucks in New York City is...

is currently aware of the Citizens Air Complaint Program, and many are taking action to reduce idling.

For example, as you've heard, Amazon has been the third worst idling violator with over 12,000 tickets.

Please summarize.

Sure.

I started recording idling violations six months ago, and not a single one of them is an Amazon vehicle, and I give all the credit.

To the air complaint program.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Thank you for your good work, doctor.

Appreciate that.

Thank you.