Even low levels of lead exposure could potentially harm children’s working memory and as a result, affect their education and development, a new study shows. According to HealthDay News, which reported on the study, exposure to lead in the womb or during early childhood appears to increase children’s risk of memory decay, accelerating the rate at which they forget information. The results of the study appeared in the July 9 edition of the journal, Science Advances.
What the Study Found
Dr. Robert Wright, chair of environmental medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, said the paper “breaks new ground by showing how environmental chemicals can interfere with the rate of memory formation.” For this study, researchers took blood lead measurements from the mothers of 576 children in Mexico during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Later, the team took samples directly from the children, at ages 4 to 6.
As part of this study, children between 6 and 8 years of age took a test known as delayed matching-to-sample task (DMST) to measure how soon they forgot what they learned. In the test, children had to remember a simple shape for up to 32 seconds after it had been briefly shown to them and then choose the correct shape from three options. Researchers found that kids with higher blood lead levels forgot the shape faster than those with low blood lead levels.
Known Effects of Lead on 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, 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.
Liability Issues Around Lead Poisoning
In New York City, property owners/managers are legally accountable for preventing and repairing lead hazards in rental buildings — especially if children under the age of 6 reside or spend significant time there. Under Local Law 1 and NYC Administrative Code §27‑2056.3, building owners/managers must annually inspect pre‑1960 (and certain 1960-1978) buildings, investigate peeling paint and promptly fix lead‑based paint hazards using lead‑safe work practices.
They must notify tenants, maintain records for 10 years, and ensure repairs are performed by certified professionals. Tenants can report violations via 311 and the NYC Health Department can enforce compliance, even intervening and placing a lien if property owners or managers fail to act.
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), 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.
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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Source: https://www.healthday.com/health-news/environmental-health/lead-exposure-can-harm-kids-memory-study-says