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Lead Poisoning

Lead is a highly toxic substance that is found in the environment and can elicit serious health complications. Lead poisoning can occur when lead is ingested or inhaled, causing elevated levels of lead to enter the bloodstream. Once the lead enters the bloodstream, it can travel to tissues and major organs throughout the body causing serious damage. While adults and children can both experience the side effects of lead poisoning, severe cases are more common among children. Lead poisoning affects approximately 400,000 kids annually who have elevated blood levels due to lead exposure.

There are a number of ways that a person can develop lead poisoning. Many of these risks are found in our everyday lives, inside and around our homes. Some common sources of lead and lead debris are household dust, drinking water, food, ceramics, hair dies, cosmetics and bare soil. The most common and harmful source of lead poisoning, however, is lead based paint.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has determined that lead based paint is still present in at least 38 million homes nationwide. While the paint is not hazardous when it is in good condition, nearly 24 million of these homes exhibit significant hazards for lead poisoning. Lead paint in old homes becomes a risk when the paint begins to wear away causing microscopic lead debris to release into the air. Remodeling homes can also pose a significant threat to its inhabitants.

Lead poisoning in children and adults can cause serious lasting health side affects. The side effects are particularly detrimental to children under six since their brains and central nervous systems are still developing. Children who are exposed to a low level of lead poisoning may experience reduced IQs, learning disabilities, stunted growth, attention deficit disorders, kidney damage or impaired hearing. Children exposed to higher levels of lead poisoning are at a great risk for metal retardation, coma and even death in some cases.

Adults can also be adversely affected by the side effects of lead poisoning. Adults may experience an increase in blood pressure, infertility, muscle and joint pain, nerve disorders, memory loss and irritability.

The federal government sets forth legal regulations regarding lead and lead poisoning. The Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act, enacted in 1992, set various provisions and standards for lead safety, primarily concentrating on the requirement of landlords and sellers to tell tenants and buyers about the lead risks associated with their new property.

Lead poisoning is not uncommon in the United States today. Thousands of children every year are unknowingly exposed to lead causing elevated blood levels through culprits in their homes and play areas. If you believe that you may have a threat of lead based paint in your home, it is important to contact your landlord or a contractor to investigate the issue. If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by lead poisoning, please contact our qualified attorneys at Miller and Associates today. You may be entitled to legal compensation for your losses and suffering.

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