Lead Paint Exposure

Lead poisoning is the greatest environmental health threat to children under the age of six Poisoning occurs from swallowing lead (i.e. lead paint chips) or from breathing lead paint dust. Even small amounts of chipped lead paint or lead dust can be dangerous to children. Children under the age of six face these great risks because their growing bodies absorb lead more easily than adult bodies do.

Millions of American children are affected by lead poisoning. Children who live in old, poorly maintained housing or in housing that has undergone renovation face the greatest risk. Children exposed to flaking or peeling paint chips face the greatest risk of lead disease.

Studies have shown that high lead levels may cause damage to the nervous system, brain injuries, seizures, growth retardation, loss of hearing, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Furthermore, very high levels of lead may cause coma, convulsion and spontaneous death.

If your building was built before 1978, it is very possible that lead paint was used. Peeling paint is a clear signal that lead paint may have been used in your home. If this is the case, it is recommended that you and your children have a blood-lead test. A blood lead test is the only accurate way to diagnose lead poisoning.

Lead-based paints were commonly used in the 1950s and '60s. According to the Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning, 30 million U.S. homes built before 1960 still have lead in them. In 1978, Congress banned the use of lead paints. This remains even though their use has long been banned.

The paint industry says it funded the research into the dangers of lead paint and then, after the health hazard was proven, voluntarily pulled lead paint off the market nearly 50 years ago. Of the lawsuits that have been resolved, the former manufacturers have not lost or settled a single case. To date, manufacturers have had significant success avoiding liability. However, increased scrutiny may make it possible for you to recover. Suits against landlords, however, have been more successful. Landlords who do not maintain their properties by removing lead-based paint, or fail to cover it with a new coat of lead-free paint or wallpaper can be held liable.

In all Toxic Tort cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the incident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of injury caused by a toxic substance, call Williams & Moore, P.A. now at (866) 258-6700. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds.