Results of new studies conducted by the University of Pennsylvania suggest that a greater number of risks are posed by lead poisoning to young children. According to HealthDay News, while the association between lead exposure and children’s IQ is well documented, the new studies show how lead affects children’s stress responses and behavior.
What the Studies Found
One study found a strong association between lead exposure in early childhood and poorly regulated heart rate variability during a stress-triggering task in early adolescence. This points to an abnormal (dysregulated) stress response. The findings have implications for heart health and overall growth and development, the study’s authors say. For example, “dysregulated” stress responses are linked to a range of health issues, including heart and metabolic diseases as well as impaired brain development.
In another study, researchers found that the lead level in the blood of children aged 11 years to 12 years was associated with a greater risk of behavioral issues and social struggles. These findings have far reaching implications when it comes to public health and environmental regulations as well as understanding biological mechanisms that link social inequality with health outcomes especially in youth from low-income areas. Both studies were published in the journal Environmental Research.
Young Children and Lead Exposure
Children can be exposed to lead through chipping paint, dust from lead paint and old lead pipes. Lead exposure is more likely to occur in poorer communities. In New York City, thousands of young children are exposed to lead paint not just in the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) (the Projects) buildings, but also in privately-owned apartment buildings where landlords (building owners) have neglected repairing lead paint issues.
There is no acceptable blood lead concentration or one that is considered “safe” especially for children 6 years old or under. We know now that even blood lead concentrations previously considered low are associated with decreased intelligence in children, behavioral issues and learning difficulties. As lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms also increases.
Pursuing a Lead Poisoning Lawsuit
New York City’s lead paint law requires landlords (building owners) to take regular steps to monitor and remove lead-based paint in their buildings. Property owners/managers are required to investigate lead paint hazards before turning over a unit to a new tenant. If hazards are identified, the landlord (building owner) must conduct repairs using safe lead removal practices with trained lead removal workers. Property owners/managers are also required to confirm with new tenants if a child the age of 6 or under will reside in the unit and issue a notice that documents the owner’s responsibilities to identify and remove lead paint. When a landlord (building owner) fails to remedy lead paint issues or does not properly inform tenants about lead paint hazards, they may be held liable.
If you suspect that your child’s illness is linked to lead poisoning, it is important that you seek medical help and identify the source of contamination. Also, contact an experienced New York City lead poisoning lawyer right away so they can review the facts and evidence as well as your child’s medical records to determine who can be held responsible. Your lawyer will also be able to calculate the time you have left to file the lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
NYC Lead Poisoning Lawyer
Whether you have been living as a tenant at a private apartment complex or in a public housing unit (the Projects), 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 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.
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 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, we fought hard and recovered $162,500 more than the insurance policy of one million dollars. 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 and/or medical malpractice 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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Source: https://consumer.healthday.com/lead-paint-and-kids-2657137706.html