Does Your Child Have Lead Poisoning?

According to the California Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch, children with lead poisoning are often asymptomatic (without any obvious symptoms).  And children who do have symptoms are often misdiagnosed with other common childhood illnesses.  A child suffering from lead poisoning may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Sluggish behavior over long periods of time
  
• Headaches
  
• Tremors
  
• Early pnset of menstral periods
  
• Seizures
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Abdominal cramps
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Constipation
  
• Irritability
  
• Hyperactive behavior
  
• Stomach aches
  
• Muscle weakness

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, children are far more vulnerable and sensitive to the negative effects of lead than adults.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)suggests that all children should be tested for lead poisoning, specifically children ages one through two.  It is also suggested that children get tested if they visit or live in older homes that may contain lead hazards, or have a sibling or friend with lead poisoning.

The most common way doctors diagnose lead poisoning is through a simple blood test, usually through a finger prick.  This test determines the level of lead currently in the body.  X-rays can also be done to measure the amount of lead in the teeth and bones; however, these tests are costly and not readily available.

Lead poisoning can have a dramatic affect on a child’s development. Between birth and six years of age, very important developments take place in the brain and the central nervous system (CNS) of a child.  If children are exposed to lead during this formation period, they have a high risk of developing serious health problems associated with lead exposure.  Lead can attack the body’s soft tissue including the liver, kidneys, lungs, brain, spleen, muscles, and heart. 

Children exposed to lead are at risk for the following health problems:

• Reduced IQ (intelligence quotient) and learning disabilities
• Attention deficit disorders
  
• Behavioral problems
  
• Decreased stature (physical size) and growth
  
• Impaired hearing
  
• Neurological problems
  
• Kidney damage and major organ failure
  
• Encephalopathy (brain swelling)
  
• Brain damage
  
• Anemia
  
• Seizures
  
• Coma
  
• Death

Many studies have shown a correlation between early childhood exposure to lead and a decrease in intelligence.  One study followed children who, between the ages of two and three, were reported to have increased levels of lead in their blood.  When these children were given IQ tests between the ages of four to eleven years, it was found that their IQ decreased seven to ten points.  This IQ deficit increased for every ten µg/dL (ten micrograms per deciliter - ten millionths of a gram per one tenth of a liter).

It is traumatic to learn that a member of your family has been diagnosed with lead poisoning and we want you to know that there are people willing to help.  The attorneys at Paul & Hanley LLP are nationally recognized for their integrity and success as legal advocates for victims and families.  Our lawyers handle cases in courts throughout California, Nevada, Arizona, and across the United States.

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 one of the nation's leading toxic tort lawfirms handling mesothelioma, asbestos, and lead poisoning cases.  We are happy to provide you with a free and confidential legal consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll-free number is (800) 933-2244.  We look forward to helping you.

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