CDC Changes Standards for Lead Poisoning

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that it is modifying the threshold of what is currently considered lead poisoning in children for the first time in 20 years. According to Medline Plus, the federal agency will change lead poisoning standards from 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood to 5 micrograms. More children may be diagnosed with lead poisoning, a condition shown to affect development and potentially cause irreversible brain damage, as a result of the change in standard.
Health officials say the move was necessary because 10 micrograms often gave doctors and parents a false sense of security about how much lead children were being exposed to and the effect such exposure was having on the children. Now, an estimated 1 million children could be diagnosed with lead poisoning. Under the old standards, about 250,000 children were diagnosed with lead poisoning.
The Dangers of Lead
Lead is a toxic substance that is commonly found in house paint and gasoline. In 1978, lead was banned from house paint, but many older homes still have the hazardous substances lacquered on their walls. Old house paint is the number one source for childhood lead poisoning in the United States. Although lead cannot be legally used in the manufacture of household paint, we still find that its use is prevalent in children’s items such as art supplies and toys. They may also be found in some pipes and faucets.
Doctors say the effects of lead poisoning can be devastating to a child and once the damage is done, it is irreversible. It can affect memory, IQ, a child’s ability to learn in school and communication skills. CDC’s new standards are expected to increase regulation of various products and also improve code enforcement.
Liability Issues in Lead Poisoning Cases
Any company or property owner who knowingly leaves lead paint on the walls or creates a product using excessive amounts of lead may be considered negligent. Companies are responsible for manufacturing and marketing safe products. Property owners are required to provide a safe living environment for their tenants and residents. If your child has suffered lead poisoning because of old house paint or some other product, you may have a case.
Medical issues related to lead poisoning may require long-term treatment. The experienced New York personal injury lawyers with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm understand what families with affected children go through. Our firm recovered $1,162,500 for a child who was affected by lead poisoning, which was $162,500 above the one million dollar insurance coverage. If your child is suffering from the adverse effects of lead poisoning, please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) for a free and comprehensive consultation. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: MedLine Plus