What is lead?
Lead is a toxic heavy metal that tarnishes to dull gray when exposed to air. It has no characteristic taste or smell. The material is most often used in building construction, lead-acid batteries, and bullets.
Lead contained in paint, dust and soil can pose dangerous health risks to those exposed if not managed properly. Most often children are put at risk by lead exposure if they have breathed or swallowed lead dust or paint chips containing lead.
In the late 1980s, the federal government recognized the toxicity of lead and the possible hazards it posed to the public. As a result, strict environmental regulations were put into place that helped significantly reduce lead exposure and eliminate the use of lead in such products as paint and batteries. By 1996, the use of lead was generally reduced and phased out of most products including paints, ceramic products, caulking, gasoline, and solder. However, lead is still found in many medical devices like radiation shields, intravenous pumps, and fetal monitors. It is also still being used in scientific equipment and military equipment.
How does lead affect the body?
Lead poisoning often carries no distinctive symptoms. Low levels of lead can cause harmful effects like decreased intelligence and developmental impairment. At extremely high levels, it can even cause coma, convulsions and death. For more information on the affects of lead posing, contact our Lead Poison Lawyer New York today.
Exposure to lead can lead to irreversible damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and reproductive system. Reported cases have also shown that high lead levels may cause damage to the nervous system, brain damage, seizures, growth retardation, loss of hearing, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Contact the Injury Attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. if you or a loved one has experienced symptoms such as these from being exposed to dangerous levels of lead paint.
Lead affects the body in many ways. As a result of lead exposure, adults can suffer from:
- Difficulties during pregnancy
- Other reproductive problems (in both men and women)
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Nerve disorders
- Memory and concentration problems
- Muscle and joint pain
Children and Lead Exposure
Lead also poses a higher risk to children because children’s growing bodies often absorb more lead and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. With high levels of lead in their bodies, children can suffer from:
- Damage to the brain and nervous system
- Behavior and learning problems (such as hyperactivity)
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
Quick Tips about New York Lead Exposure
Lead poisoning is entirely preventable. It is important to be aware that lead products and lead dust can be serious hazards to adults and children nationwide and in New York. Here are a few tips to take into consideration for the safety of your health and those you care about:
- Children are more susceptible to lead exposure because of their tendency to touch objects and put their hands in their mouth. Get young children tested for lead, even if they appear healthy, if you think they have been exposed to high levels of lead.
- Lead-based paint can be found in many homes built before 1978, before the federal government banned lead-based paint from housing.
- Lead levels can be detected by taking a simple blood test.
- Lead can also be found in soil and dust.
- To reduce the risk of lead exposure, be aware of any peeling or chipping paint and properly dispose of any paint chips immediately. Also, clean floors, window frames, window sills and other surfaces where lead dust may collect weekly.
- If lead needs to be removed, consult with a professional who is trained to remove lead hazards safely. Improperly removing lead can increase the hazard of lead exposure by spreading even more lead dust around the area.
Have you or a loved one suffered from lead exposure in New York?
If you, a family member or friend have suffered from an injury, illness, disease or medical condition as a result of exposure to lead paint or other lead-containing substances, call the Finz firm now toll free at (855) TOP-FIRM to speak with a lawyer experienced in lead paint cases or simply fill out the Free Case Evaluation form.
