Lead Paint Poisoning

What is lead poisoning?

Lead poisonings are one of the foremost environmental health problems facing children across the United states today. The primary source of children’s exposure is lead paint found in residential homes. If your child has been poisoned by lead and your residence has tested positive for the presence of lead paint, you may have a cause of action. Each case typically involves a child under twelve (12) years of age with a venous blood lead level of twenty (20) mcg/dL (micrograms per deciliter of whole blood) or greater. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) asserts that based on scientific evidence, lead has been shown to have harmful effects at levels as low as 10 mcg/dL.

Very small quantities of lead can poison the immature brain. Children with moderate long-term exposure show reduced short term memory, delayed reaction time, reduced ability to concentrate and diminished scores on IQ tests. Although no comprehensive data is currently available, the federal government estimates that about 15% of all U.S. preschoolers now have unacceptable levels of lead in their blood, levels that cause subtle but significant impairment of learning skills. Nearly three quarters of United States homes constructed before 1980 contain some lead paint. Most cases of child lead poisoning result from the ingestion and inhalation of lead based paint and particles. However, other sources of lead, such as vinyl mini-blinds and toys, may also be a source of lead hazards.

There are a number of cognitive and bodily injuries that may be attributed to lead poisoning. Injuries caused and exacerbated by lead poisoning are as follows:

Brain Damage
Learning Disabilities
Speech Problems
Developmental Delays
Hyperactivity
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Loss of IQ Points
Loss of Earning Capacity
Special Education

The most commen treatment for extremely elevated lead levels is chelation. Chelation is a process by which a drug, referred to as a chelating agent, is administered to the child (or adult) either orally or intravenously. The chelating agent works by binding itself to the lead in the body’s soft tissues, thereby reducing the toxicity level.

How do you prevent the problem?

It is much easier to prevent lead poisoning than to treat it. When a child is lead poisoning, the most important step is to identify the source of exposure and to educate the child’s family so that they can protect him/her from further exposure. Parents should keep children’s nails clipped short and practice regular hand washing, especially before snacks, meals and bedtime. Housekeeping is also an important aspect of controlling lead hazards. It is best to wet mop and dust to minimize the amount of lead dust in the air; special attention should be given to floors and to window wells. Also parents should wash pacifiers and children’s toys frequently, as these are objects children are likely to place in their mouths and may easily come into contact with lead dust and soil.

How can I prevent my child from getting lead poisoning?

Protect your child with regular screening. Screening and early detection of lead poisoning will avoid damage from long term exposure. The lower the lead level, the easier the treatment. Screening locations may include health clinics, family physicians or pediatricians and the Public Health Department. Screening may also be available at WIC offices, Headstart Schools and childcare centers. Screening is done by a blood test to find out if there is too much lead in your child’s blood. Most children should be screened starting at 12 to 15 months of age and should have follow-up screening as recommended by their healthcare provider.

High risk children who live or play in older housing, have brothers, sisters or playmates with high levels or whose homes are undergoing renovation should be screened at six months of age and should have follow-up screening as well.

Financial Information

Do I have a case?

Children suffering from lead poisoning may be entitled to compensation from those responsible for their injuries. If your child has ever been exposed to lead with a lead reading of at least 20 mcg/dL and you need help to initiate an investigation into the possibility that your child has suffered damages as a result of lead poisoning, please contact us now.