A new report states that more than one-third of school buildings in New York City exceeded the state’s newly lowered lead level limit due to their old water fountains and taps. According to a CBS New York news report, for nearly a decade, all school districts in New York have had to test their water for led. But, in 2023, the state lowered the allowable limit from 15 parts per billion to 5. That lower threshold means routine testing is now flagging thousands of fixtures that were previously considered safe.
Aging Infrastructure and Lead Pipes
According to this report, 34% of school buildings – 1,642 – exceeded the statewide lead limit. That includes 308 on Long Island. State health officials say the results are not unique to one district, but a common finding during the proactive lead testing that is required under the law. When lead levels go over the state limit, districts must notify staff members and parents right away and take those fixtures out of service.
Environmental safety advocates say the report is not shocking given aging infrastructure in New York schools that includes lead pipe joints. Schools that shut down water fountains are required to provide alternative drinking water for students at no cost. One parent told the news outlet that they are not taking any chances and send their children with water bottles.
How Lead Poisoning Affects Young Children
Lead poisoning can have devastating effects on young children, as their developing bodies and brains are especially vulnerable to toxic substances. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause significant harm. One of the most serious consequences is damage to the nervous system leading to developmental delays, learning disabilities and lower IQ. Children may also experience behavioral problems, such as attention difficulties, hyperactivity and irritability.
Physically, lead poisoning can cause anemia, fatigue, stomach pain and slowed growth. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures, coma and even death. Because young children often put their hands or objects in their mouths, they are more likely to ingest lead from contaminated dust, paint, water or soil. The effects of lead poisoning can be long-lasting and irreversible, making early detection and prevention critical. Regular screenings and reducing exposure in homes, schools, and playgrounds are essential steps to protect children from lead poisoning.
New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (the Projects) or if your child has been exposed to lead through contaminated water in school, please remember that you have legal rights. If your child has been diagnosed with high blood lead levels, regardless of whether you live in public or private housing, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) (the Projects) or private building owners and building managers for damages. Those who have been affected can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, cost of diagnostic tests, permanent injuries, lost income and benefits, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If your child has been affected by lead poisoning, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you. It is in the best interest of injured victims and their families in such cases to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer before contacting the people responsible for the injuries, and definitely before contacting or communicating with any insurance company, or their lawyers, investigators, or adjusters.
Our firm recovered $1,162,500 for a child who suffered lead poisoning from paint in her apartment. The child’s injuries were subtle and difficult to recognize. We fought hard and recovered $162,500 above the $1 million dollar total insurance policy in this case, despite the judge’s efforts to settle the case for $950,000. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys‘ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury, lead poisoning and medical malpractice cases including, brachial plexus palsy (Erb’s palsy) and cerebral palsy cases in New York, 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.
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