People living in Gowanus are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to clean up the area, claiming that they have been breathing contaminated air for years.

"There at least 23 properties that have been identified where trichloroethylene and other toxic exceeds the New York state Department of Health indoor air guidelines," said Walter Hang, president of Toxics Targeting, an environmental data-based firm.

"This is an enormously problematic area. The government hasn't identified the full scope of the problem," said Hang.

Hang launched a New York Parkinsons Campaign to eliminate the toxins in the area. He even sent a letter to the governor.

"We're working very hard to make sure Gov. Hochul strictly enforces all the cleanup requirements to safeguard public health," said Hang.

On Nevins Street, new residential buildings are being built and that has people in the area concerned.

"Some days you definitely smell the canal, or you smell something coming up from the ground near one of these sites, especially right now as they are digging things up," said Seth Hillinger, who lives in Gowanus.

The Department of Environmental Conservation released the following statement:

"The state of New York has a proven track record of successfully investigating and cleaning up many contaminated sites across New York City, including former industrial sites along the Gowanus Canal, as part of DEC’s ongoing mission to protect public health and the environment."

News 12 reached out to the governor's office regarding the conditions and is still waiting to hear back. For now, advocates say the journey to a cleaner Gowanus is the top priority.