What is Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning is a public health hazard that primarily impacts the most vulnerable among us: children and infants. The discovery of lead’s dangerous effects led to a ban on the sale of lead paint in 1978; however, lead poisoning persists to this day, since house and other structures that were built prior to the lead ban remain. A child may suffer exposure to this toxic substance by coming into contact with leaded dust or chipped lead paint and then orally ingesting the substance off of contaminated fingers. Too much exposure can lead to devastating physical and mental consequences.
Lead poisoning is the result of lead building up in the body over the course of months and even years. The consequences of lead poisoning in young children can be devastating and often results in severe mental and physical impairments. Small levels of lead can be harmful, and high levels can be fatal.
What are the Sources of Lead?
While lead is a naturally occurring metal, human activity such as mining, burning fossil fuel and manufacturing has released lead into the environment. For may years, lead was used in paint, furniture and even children’s toys. Although lead-based paint has been banned for homes and in children’s toys and household furniture since 1978, it remains on the walls in many older homes and apartments. Children are often poisoned by eating lead paint chips or inhaling toxic dust. Lead particles can also contaminate tap water by way of lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes soldered with lead.
Who is Liable in a NY Lead Poisoning Case?
If you or your child were exposed to lead in a rental property, or if your child has suffered lead poisoning due to a toy, you may have a viable case. There are a wide variety of circumstances which can bring about a lead poisoning incident. A top NY personal injury lawyer can investigate the details of your case to identify the cause of the lead poisoning.
Who is at risk of lead poisoning?
Although lead poses a greater risk to children, it is also dangerous for adults. Children are often exposed to lead-based paint and contaminated dust in older buildings, and lead has been discovered in water pipes in homes, apartment buildings and schools. Lead contamination can also be found in the air, water and soil. Adults are typically exposed at work, particularly in auto repair shops, in home improvement contracting, or when working with batteries.
What are the Effects of Lead Poisoning?
Lead poisoning can be hard to detect, and symptoms often do not present until dangerous levels have accumulated in the body. Children age 7 and younger who are exposed to significant levels of lead are at an increased risk of suffering developmental disabilities later in life. Infants are even more vulnerable; they only need to be exposed to low levels of lead in order to be affected.
Child victims of lead poisoning commonly exhibit the following symptoms:
- Behavioral and developmental issues/delays (such as hyperactivity)
- Learning difficulties
- Decreased growth rate
- Issues with cognitive functions and the nervous system
- Hearing problems
- Chronic headaches
- Sluggishness, fatigue
Adults are not immune to the effects of lead. They may also suffer adverse consequences due to exposure, including:
- Problems during pregnancy
- Reproductive issues
- High blood pressure
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Nerve disorders
- Muscle and joint pain
- Decreased memory and concentration capabilities
- Decline in mental functioning
- Miscarriage or premature birth
Even if you experience symptoms of lead poisoning, it can be difficult to tell if you have actually been exposed to lead. One of the best ways to determine if your environment is affecting you is to monitor how you feel when you are away. If you feel fine all day at work, or your children are fine at school, but you or your child experience headaches, problems with concentration, or other issues while at home, there may be something harmful present. Any time you experience negative conditions in your home, take action to determine the cause; it may be lead, carbon monoxide, mold, or some other environmental toxin.
How can Lead Poisoning Be Prevented?
The following steps can be taken to prevent both children and adults from being harmed due to lead poisoning.
- Keep children and pregnant women away from old houses (pre -1978) that are undergoing renovation
- Use barriers to restrict your child’s access to lead sources.
- Discard any of your children’s toys that contain lead.
- Regularly wet-wipe your floors and window components.
- Keep your child from playing in bare soil.
If you believe you or your child has been exposed to excess amounts of lead, go to your doctor immediately. There are treatments available for lead poisoning; however, especially with children, they are most effective when the poisoning is detected in its early stages.
How Do I File a Lead Poisoning Claim
The experienced New York lead poisoning attorneys at Rinere & Rinere, LLP, have achieved optimal outcomes for many clients with lead poisoning claims. We possess extensive experience and resources for handling these types of cases. Let us help you and your child get what you need for recovery. For a free and confidential case evaluation, please call us today at (585) 454-5930.
Contact Our Resourceful New York Lead Poisoning Attorneys
The top New York personal injury lawyers at Rinere & Rinere, LLP, are dedicated and committed to each and every case we accept. Our clients receive our full attention and efforts, no matter what. If you want assistance from a legal team that will support you every step of the way, contact us today.