New York City Lead Poisoning Lawyer
Though the lead industries in the United States were aware of the dangers of lead, specifically lead paint, they were able to forestall banning its use in paint manufacturing until 1978. While it is commonly known that children are exposed to toxic levels of lead through chipped paint and cigarettes, parents should be aware that other common household items, such as vinyl mini-blinds and finishing on fixtures, may also expose them to toxic lead.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that nearly 2 percent of American children have more than 10 micrograms/dL of lead in their blood, a level considered potentially hazardous.You should speak to an experienced and knowledgeable New Yorklead poisoning lawyer to get the proper guidance, counseling and advise to move your claim forward.
What is so distressing about lead poisoning is that it is all too prevalent, with devastating effects, for a condition that is so easily detectable and preventable.
The government has taken measures to protect individuals from toxic lead exposure. For instance, the EPA requires lead in air not to exceed 1.5 micrograms per cubic meter (1.5 µg/m³) averaged over three months and limits lead in drinking water to 15 µg per liter. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) sets regulations for workers exposed to lead. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 banned the sale of leaded gasoline. The Federal Hazardous Substance Act bans children’s products that contain hazardous amounts of lead. Children covered by Medicaid are eligible for free screening of blood-lead levels. Many private insurance policies cover the cost of testing for blood-lead levels. Costs generally range from $10 to $75, plus the charge for an office visit. Every child should be tested at the age of 6 months, and as recommended by the family pediatrician after that. However, some recommend testing every year through age 6, particularly for children who have had toxic blood-lead levels in the past, or have a sibling or playmate with toxic blood-lead levels. Toxic lawyers, and Toxic attorneys can guide through the tests available to your children.
Are you in need of a New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer? Contact our New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer today for a free consultation!
Though children are most at risk for problems and ailments associated with poisoning, adults, and particularly pregnant women, are also at risk. That is why anyone who has been exposed should consult with a lead attorney or lead lawyer. Lead can harm every bodily system and is particularly harmful to the developing brain and nervous system of fetuses and young children. Often, there are no visible symptoms of elevated blood-lead levels or poisoning.
Some common signs of toxic lead exposure and lead poisoning include:
- Impaired brain development in young children, causing IQ deficits and other cognitive problems
- Damage to central nervous system
- Damage to kidneys
- Damage to the male and female reproductive system
- Decreased reaction time
- Weakness in fingers, wrists or ankles
- May affect the memory
- May cause anemia, a disorder of the blood
- May be carcinogenic
- Behavior problems (such as hyperactivity)
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Headaches
- Fussiness
- Difficulties during pregnancy
- High blood pressure
- Digestive problems
- Stomach problems
- Loss of appetite
- Nerve disorders
- Concentration difficulties
- Inability to sleep
- Muscle and joint pain
If you believe you or a family member have been exposed to toxic levels of lead, be sure to have your blood levels tested, and follow your physician’s advice about prevention and treatment. If the blood lead-level is above normal, contact your local health department for advice on how to find the source of the lead problem. If your home is a rental, your landlord may be required to find the source and fix the problem. To avoid poisoning, clean your home and furnishings often and thoroughly. Make sure to wash your hands before preparing food and ensure that your children wash their hands before eating. Be careful about what your children place in their mouths. Good nutrition may also be invaluable in protecting your children from the deleterious effects of toxic lead exposure. Be aware that sweeping, dusting and vacuuming may increase levels of lead in the air. Keep your children from chewing painted windowsills and other painted surfaces. Clean dirty and dusty areas carefully and make sure that children’s play areas and toys are kept clean.
Once you or a family member have ingested toxic levels of lead, there is treatment available to lower the levels in the bloodstream, but the effects of toxic exposure may be permanent and sometimes require lifetime care.
Are you in need of a New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer? Contact our New York Lead Poisoning Lawyer today for a free consultation!