NEW YORK, NY January 19, 2007 —Advocates and some elected officials say the city is not doing enough to protect homeless families from lead poisoning. The issue was raised after a report in the Daily News showed lead violations in 900 buildings where homeless families rent subsidized apartments.

REPORTER: Advocates say the city is not enforcing new, stricter lead laws. Attorney Matthew Shashere says when apartments become vacant, landlords are supposed to inspect and certify they're free of lead hazards.

SHASHERE: So all the city had to do in these situations where homeless families were being moved in was ask the landlord to supply the documentation that they were already required to do under the existing lead paint law.

REPORTER: The Department of Homeless Services says it requires that cracked or peeling paint be fixed before a family is allowed to move in to an apartment.