Pediatricians Want Stricter Regulations to Prevent Child Lead Poisoning

 American children are still being exposed to lead poisoning hazards despite the fact that the toxic metal was removed from gasoline, paint, toys and other consumer products. According to a report in Medical News Today, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging policy makers and practitioners to increase their efforts to protect children from lead poisoning. They say this can be done with stricter national regulation and a stronger commitment to eliminate source of lead before an exposure can occur.

All Lead Exposure is Unsafe
AAP says that there is a growing body of evidence, which shows that even low levels of lead exposure can cause irreversible mental damages and behavioral problems. There is no safe level of blood concentration for children. Until recently, a blood lead level of 10 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood or more in children was considered a “level of concern.”
But more and more evidence is pointing to the fact that even less than half that level causes mental and behavioral problems such as lower IQ, worse academic performance, aggression, hyperactivity, poor impulse control and inattention. Lead poisoning may also lead to a variety of health problems in children including, but not limited to, poor muscle coordination, decreased bone and muscle growth, damage to vital organs such as kidneys, seizures, coma, etc.
Recommendations to Lower Lead Levels
AAP is suggesting that stricter regulations, increased federal resources and the government and medical community should all join forces to prevent lead poisoning in children. According to the organization, in 2007-2010, approximately 2.6 percent of American preschoolers, about 535,000 children aged 1 to 5, had a blood lead concentration of 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood or more. AAP is recommending new federal standards for lead in house dust, water and soil and also new laws to make removal of lead from contaminated housing and childcare facilities mandatory. They also say lead concentration in water fountains in school should not exceed one part per billion.
How Serious is the Problem?
About 37 million homes in the U.S. have lead-based paint. It’s important to remember that children’s exposure to lead increases as soon as they begin to teeth and move around. Children who live in older homes that are poorly maintained are at a greater risk of being exposed to higher lead levels. Children who live near airports and factories face an even higher risk as lead-contaminated exhaust can get into the soil. As we saw in Flint, Michigan, lead exposure can also result from old pipes that are part of a crumbling infrastructure.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In lead poisoning cases, there are several potential parties that can be held accountable for the injuries, damages and losses caused. Property owners and/or property managers in New York City are required under the law to notify tenants if a rental unit might contain lead. Property owners and/or property managers who are selling a home also have the same legal obligation to buyers. Landlords in New York City can be held liable for failing to give tenants information about the presence of lead in a dwelling.
Contractors and construction companies in New York State are also required to provide workers with a safe and healthy work environment. Anyone who is suffering health consequences as a result of lead exposure in the workplace can seek compensation for damages as well. Paint manufacturers who had used lead in their products may be held liable, depending on the nature and circumstances of the case. Manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure that lead levels in these products are within the legal limit.
Compensation for Lead Poisoning Victims
If you or a loved one has been affected by lead poisoning or lead exposure, 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 full policy of $1,000,000.
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 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.
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Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/311105.php