Lead-based paint remains the most common way that children are exposed to lead. Since lead was a widely used component in paints until 1978, families living in homes built before this time are at risk for lead exposure, especially if they are being repaired or remodeled. Taking precautions for your family is essential. Families that live in or visit older homes should be aware of any chipping or peeling paint that could contain lead. Deteriorating lead paint poses an increased threat of ingestion and possible lead poisoning. Children’s typical hand-to-mouth contact is enough to introduce dangerous levels of lead into their blood. For instance, after crawling on the floor, a child may put their hands in their mouths and accidentally ingest poisonous lead particles. The National Safety Council found that it only takes a lead dust particle equivalent to the size of a single grain of salt for a child to register an elevated level of lead in his/her blood.
Although less common, children can be exposed to lead through chewing on furniture and toys painted with lead-based paint or drinking water that is contaminated with lead. In some cases, children can also be exposed to lead if their parents have a job or hobby where they use lead.
We understand that your family is the most important thing in your life and they deserve to be happy and healthy. If you suspect that your child may have been exposed to lead, we encourage you to consult a medical professional who may recommend a blood test.
The United States has made much progress in eliminating some significant sources of lead in recent years. The use of leaded gasoline was phased out during the early 1990s. Leaded plumbing solder and lead solder on food cans were both banned during the 1980s. Lead-based paint was banned in 1978. However, today there are still about 38 million homes that contain some lead paint—about 40% of all US housing. Leaded gasoline emissions that were deposited over the years in the soil near highways and busy roads continue to contaminate many yards. And thousands of old lead pipes that continue to serve as water service lines in many older US cities also continue to leach lead into drinking water.
The good news is that lead poisoning is preventable. Families need to be informed about the various sources of lead and need to be vigilant in preventing exposure. Children under the age of six—and fetuses—are those at greatest risk of the health effects associated with exposure to lead. They are particularly vulnerable because at that age, their brain and central nervous system are still forming. Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that interferes with the development of these systems as well as the kidney and blood-forming organs. Exposure to lead causes a wide range of health effects, and one of the interesting things about lead is that those health effects vary from child to child.
New research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in an April 17, 2003 article, indicates that children can lose IQ points at levels of lead in blood below the present official Centers for Disease Control (CDC) level of concern of 10 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). That means one millionth of a gram in each tenth of a liter. More than ten years ago, the National Academy of Sciences wrote that, "There is growing evidence that even very small exposures to lead can produce subtle effects in humans and that future guidelines may drop below 10µg/dL as the mechanisms of lead toxicity become better understood." (Measuring Lead Exposure in Infants, Children, and Other Sensitive Populations, National Academy Press, 1993, page 3.) As it turns out, today there is widespread recognition of the fact that there is no such thing as a "safe" level of lead exposure.
Even low levels of exposure to lead can result in IQ deficits, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, stunted or slowed growth, and impaired hearing. At increasingly high levels of exposure, a child may suffer kidney damage, become mentally retarded, fall into a coma, and even die from lead poisoning. Lead poisoning has been associated with a significantly increased high-school dropout rate, as well as increases in juvenile delinquency and criminal behavior.
It is often difficult for a parent to realize on their own that their child may have too much lead in their blood. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be subtle—they are often easily confused with other, less worrisome problems. For instance, a child may exhibit symptoms similar to those associated with the flu, such as stomach aches and headaches. Other typical symptoms include irritability and loss of appetite. The bottom line is: the only way to know for sure whether or not a child has a lead-related problem is to get the child tested for lead.
Currently, there is no known effective treatment for children who have blood lead levels under 45µg/dL— which represents the vast majority of children exposed to lead. Kids whose lead level is greater than or equal to 45µg/dL should immediately receive chelation (key-lay-shun) therapy, a medical treatment that draws some of the lead out of their system.
One way to reduce the impact of lead exposure is to reduce the amount of lead that gets absorbed or retained by the child. On average, children under six will absorb/retain about 50% of the lead they ingest. That percentage can be reduced through good nutrition, including adequate levels of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and zinc. The consumption of fatty foods should be kept to a minimum, although children under the age of two actually need some fat in their diet. And a child whose stomach is empty will absorb/retain more lead than a child who has just eaten.
Similarly, pregnant women should be careful to minimize their exposure to lead, as lead crosses the placenta and adversely affects the developing fetus.
Legal Assistance
There may be legal remedies for your child’s injury and our lawyers at Paul & Hanley LLP are here to help. We are a California based law firm that has built its reputation on representing individuals with dignity and respect. Our experienced attorneys understand the delicate nature of your case and are interested in getting to know your family to ensure the best possible outcome. Please contact us if you believe someone in your family is suffering from lead poisoning or if you would like to learn more about lead poisoning and exposure. We are happy to provide you with a free and confidential legal consultation. For further information about lead exposure please contact us today. For immediate assistance call us toll free at (800) 933-2244 for a free confidential consultation.