Lead Poisoning
The Center for Diseases Control indicates that at least 4 million households have children living in them that are being exposed to high levels of lead. It is no surprise then that over 535,000 children ages 1-5 have lead leaves high enough to damage their health. Due to the toxicity of lead, only a small amount is required in the blood for their to be serious health issues, especially for children who bodies are still growing.
Exposure can occur in various ways. The most common is either living in a home with lead paint or working with lead paint. In addition, day care facilities and toys create opportunities for exposure to lead.
Most homes built before 1978 may have lead paint. Lead paint becomes hazardous when it is starts to chip, flake, or chalk increasing the likelihood of ingestion or particles being released into the air. It is similarly dangerous when maintenance work and dust particles are released into the home. That is part of the reason property owners need to use certified lead paint accredited contractors when working on homes built before 1978.
If your child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning or your paint is flaking it is paramount that you notify your landlord or owner and obtain an inspection to ensure it is not lead paint. Homeowners with questions about how to deal with a suspected lead poisoning should visit the State of Maryland Lead Poisoning Prevention website for more information.
Do you think you have a case? Call a lead paint attorney at call 410-849-9529
Lead Poisoning Injuries
Injuries brought on by lead poisoning are numerous and severe. The chemicals contained in lead paint can remain inside the body of a child over a long time period impacting health years after ingestion.
Some of of the symptoms present early on can include:
- Developmental issues
- Lower IQs
- Behavior problems
In a recent verdict in Baltimore, the expert testified that claimant suffered permanent brain damage that resulted in a loss of four to five IQ points, as well as several cognitive deficits, attention and focus problems, learning disabilities and behavioral problems. For more go to Baltimore Sun.
Lead in adults can cause the following:
- High blood pressure and hypertension.
- Pregnant women exposed to lead can transfer lead to their fetus.
Do you think you have a case? Call a lead paint attorney at call 410-849-9529
Common systems for lead paint exposure include:
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Discoloration of the skin
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling sick
- Fatigue
- Loss of weight
- Trouble sleeping
- Numbness
- Hyperactivity
In addition to these systems, lead paint can cause more aggressive and devastating consequences such as:
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Neurological impairment
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Damage for the reproductive system
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Damage for the brain, kidney, cardiovascular and stressed systems
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Cognitive development