According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about one in six children in America have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood streams. Children exposed to lead have a greater risk of fatal side effects than adults. Symptoms of lead poisoning start with flu-like symptoms, nausea, abdominal pain and can advance to anemia, kidney problems, weight loss, seizure, coma and death. High levels of lead exposure at young ages can also result in learning disabilities.
Lead has been used in gasoline, water pipes, and paint and is still used in many manufacturing processes and other common metal products, even toys. Lead can also be found in dust, soil or in your drinking water. Occupational exposure to lead is common among those working in law enforcement, plumbing, automobile repair, construction or mining.
Lead Paint and Lead Pipes
Lead poisoning has also been called plumbism or painter's colic since lead was often used in the production of plumbing pipes and paint until the discovery of its disastrous effects on health. In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) banned the manufacture and use of lead-based paint in residential housing. Unfortunately, the ban did not require removal of lead-based paint from surfaces previously coated with this dangerous neurotoxin.
Unhealthy lead paint remains in approximately 57 million private housing units built and/or painted prior to 1980. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has stated that corrective actions for these homes have been a complete failure but home owners and real estate brokers are required to inform a new home owner of the presence of lead-based paint or pipes. Like asbestos, lead paint and lead pipes can become dangerous once disturbed or removed. Lead cannot been seen, tasted or smelled.
Medical Effects of Lead Poisoning
How Do Children Get Lead Poisoned?
Ways to Protect Children from Lead Poisoning
Treatment for Lead Poisoning
Sources of Lead Poisoning
Lead Poisoning in the News
The Center for Environmental Health has filed several lawsuits and sued retailers and manufacturers of children's jewelry and vinyl lunchboxes due to high levels of lead in their products. (Mar-23-06) [
AMHERST TIMES]
Register your Lead Poisoning Case
If you or a loved one has suffered from lead poisoning you may qualify for damages or remedies that might be awarded in a possible lead poisoning law suit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint.
Last updated on Mar-28-06
