Homeowner Raises Concerns Over Lead Paint Chips Falling From Bayonne Bridge Project

BAYONNE, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A New Jersey homeowner is worried lead paint chips falling off the Bayonne Bridge could be damaging to his health and wealth.

Homeowner Martin Miller lives just under the bridge on West Third Street. He said rust-colored paint chips have been falling and covering his roof, porch, sidewalk and his car as crews work on a $1.3 billion rebuilding project.

The Port Authority is responsible for the project. The agency does regular cleanups and gives vouchers for car washes, 1010 WINS' Derricke Dennis reported.

"They give me car washes, but you see the dust on the car," Miller said.

The Port Authority confirms the paint chips contain lead, but said they are only harmful if ingested. A Port Authority spokesman also said soil and air quality tests show acceptable levels.

Miller is still concerned, not only for his health, but also his wealth.

"I have lung trouble as it is, I go to the lung doctor. I don't even sit on my porch anymore because between the noise and the lead chips and the dust all over my car," Miller said. "I got my house up for sale there, probably be a hard sell. The house is beautiful and everything, but look at that thing [the bridge] over there."

He wants more protection.

"Maybe they should cover it up with a big sheet when they're doing work. That would help," Miller said.

But the Port Authority said that would be impractical.

The span, which connects Bayonne with Staten Island, is being raised to give larger ships access to New York and New Jersey ports. The roadway will have wider lanes and a median.

The project is expected to finish in 2018.