Construction on a Lower East Side apartment building is causing tenants more danger than disruptive noise. The building, located on Norfolk Street, may contain nearly 3,000 times the legal lead limit.

This situation, first discovered in April, has yet to be resolved. SMA Equities acquired the building in March this year, said Samy Mahfar who purchased the building seven months ago, in March. Jeanette Colaianni, a representative from the firm, spoke of the measures that are currently taking place to ensure the protection of their tenants.

“We have recently learned of the situation and with such hired an independent company to conduct our own private study,” Colaianni said. “We expect to have the results within the next two to three weeks.”

In addition to these concerns, the tenants also voiced their complaints about the construction affecting their quality of life in an open letter dated Oct. 15 to Samy Mahfar. The letter included the signatures of New York City council member Margaret Chin, New York Sen. Daniel Squadron, New York State assembly speaker Sheldon Silver and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer.

“We write on behalf of residents at 102 Norfolk Street, one of the many buildings you own that has exhibited problems due to your neglect,” the letter reads. “Some of these complaints have led to Department of Health and Mental Hygiene inspections, confirming lead dust exposure.”

The letter lists more grievances of the tenants, including lack of communication about the situation and ongoing building construction.

“Tenants continue to contact our offices with complaints that indicate severe decline in their quality of life due to intrusive construction,” the letter reads. “Additional complaints involve security staff preventing access to City inspectors and collapsing ceilings in apartments. We remain concerned that some of these issues have not been addressed despite your commitments to comply.”

CAS senior, Brandon Wernette, who lives in a building close to Norfolk Street, was concerned when he found out about his neighbors’ lead problem.

“I haven’t heard anything about lead in my apartment,” Wernette said. “I can handle small complications.Tiny leaks? No problem. Door handles occasionally falling off? Not a big deal either. However, a toxic level of lead? If the situation were not resolved immediately, I would be gone.”

Email Michelle Huang at [email protected].