Level of Lead Poisoning among Children on the Rise, Study Shows

For the first time in years, the number of children with lead poisoning in Monroe County is on the rise. According to a study by the Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, 268 children who were 6 years old or younger showed signs of lead poisoning in Monroe County during the year 2010. The Democrat and Chronicle reports that the number of children tested was fewer than in past years. So, there may be a larger problem than the study reflects. Even though 268 is significantly less than the numbers from a few years ago, the fact that it is on the rise should raise serious concerns for parents in New York.
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for very young children. Children under the age of 6 have neurological systems that are still developing. So lead poisoning can have a significant impact on their growth and development. Sometimes, lead poisoning can even affect a child’s behavior and result in learning, cognitive and other disabilities. Tragically, these types of damages from lead poisoning including brain damage in young children are often permanent.
To prevent exposure to lead, families would be well advised to make sure their homes are lead-safe. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lead-based paint and lead contaminated dust are the main sources of exposure for lead in U.S. children. Families that live in homes built before 1978 should make sure that the paint is not deteriorating. As the paint crumbles, the lead in the paint may contaminate the air and poison anyone who breathes it. Parents should check recall notices on toys that may contain lead. Children should not eat candy manufactured in countries such as Mexico, which are known to contain unacceptable levels of lead. Parents should use cold water from the tap instead of hot water.
The New York personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm have a lengthy history of handling lead poisoning cases in New York. If your child has suffered lead-related injuries, call our offices at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) to discuss your legal rights and options. 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 our website: www.work4youlaw.com