Preventing Lead Exposure among Young Children

Children are often most at risk for lead poisoning, especially children under the age of 7. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children in that age group often put their hands on things and then place their hands in their mouths, making them more at risk for inhaling or ingesting lead. But preventing lead poisoning is possible by being proactive as a parent.
Some of the main sources of lead include lead-based paint, which was banned from home use after 1978. When the paint starts to deteriorate it becomes a dangerous problem. CDC reports there are about 24 million homes in the United States that have deteriorating lead-based paint and can cause lead poisoning. About 4 million of these homes have children in them.
Protecting Children from Lead Poisoning
There are many steps parents can take to protect their children from lead poisoning. Getting in touch with your local health department and setting up a home test for lead is a good place to start. Make sure children do not have access to any peeling paint and set up barriers in areas where lead may be present. Children and pregnant women should avoid living in any home built before 1978 that is being renovated. Wash toys and make sure children are regularly washing their hands. Regular cleaning and mopping can also help reduce the risk. Lastly, do not let your children play in loose soil, as it can contain lead. Make sure they have a sand box or a grass area for playing.
Dangerous Effects
Doctors say the effects of lead poisoning can be devastating to a child and once the damage is done, it is irreversible. It can affect memory, IQ, a child’s ability to learn in school and communication skills. It could also result in permanent brain damage. CDC’s new standards are expected to increase regulation of various products and also improve code enforcement.
Liability Issues
Even if a parent is being proactive in protecting their child, they cannot control every environment. Any company or property owner who knowingly leaves lead paint on the walls or creates a product using excessive amounts of lead may be considered negligent. Companies are responsible for manufacturing and marketing safe products. Property owners are required to provide a safe living environment for their tenants and residents.
Medical issues related to lead poisoning may require long-term treatment. The experienced New York personal injury attorneys with the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm understand what families with affected children go through. Our firm recovered $1,162,500 for a child who was affected by lead poisoning, which was $162,500 above the one million dollar insurance coverage. If your child is suffering from the adverse effects of lead poisoning, please contact us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496) for a free and comprehensive consultation. 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 us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: CDC