A major milestone for families that are pushing for radiator safety.

The City Council on Thursday passed legislation in honor of Binyomin Zachariah, an 11-month-old boy who died in his family’s Midwood apartment in January 2024 when a malfunctioning radiator spewed scalding steam into the infant’s bedroom.

The bill, known as “Ben-Z’s Law,” requires landlords to inspect steam radiators every other year in apartments and common areas where children under the age of 6 live.

It also mandates timely repairs for defected or hazardous radiators, otherwise landlords can face penalties.

Families and advocates held a rally on the steps of city hall ahead of the vote, pushing for the City Council to pass the legislation.

The boy’s parents are turning their pain into purpose.

“Today we stand together with a chance to make a difference, with a chance to ensure no family suffers a tragic loss again as we have,” said Bessie Kuravsky, the victim’s mother.

“There are only two words to say to those that think that a child’s life is not valuable enough to make the laws change,” said Alex Kuravsky, the victim’s father. “Two words: human life.”

The vote also comes after two Bronx girls, ages 1 and 2, died from a similar incident in 2016.

The legislation now heads to Mayor Eric Adams’ desk for his signature.

A spokesperson for the mayor released the following statement: “We continue to share in the grief over the tragic death of Binyomin Zachariah. No child should ever die because of a faulty radiator, and no parent should have to experience the pain of that loss. That’s why the Department of Housing Preservation and Development takes safety complaints so seriously, improving response times for both emergency and non-emergency inspections in Fiscal Year 2025. We look forward to working with the City Council to advance a plan that prioritizes the safety of children, their families, and all New York City renters.”

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