Personal Injury Lawyers in New York

Since lead in paint, plumbing, and gasoline has been banned in the U.S., we don’t have very much lead exposure any more. But the main concern with lead exposure is regarding young children, and in old houses, a young child can still be exposed to harmful amounts of lead. If there is old flaking paint, it falls on the floor, gets caught into stuffed toys, clothing, bed linen etc. and a child could ingest it. Toddlers often pick things off the floor and put them in their mouths. The paint flakes also create dust containing lead which everyone in the house will breathe.

If old plumbing still exists, lead can leach into the drinking water. It is also present in food cans and juice containers made in some other countries and can therefore be in the food and juice.

Lead poisoning symptoms in children

Lead affects the brain, the kidneys, and the bone marrow (soft tissue inside bones). Resulting symptoms can be:

• Difficulty with paying attention
• Learning difficulties
• Muscle weakness
• Stomach pain
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Anemia

Any of these symptoms could show up, but not necessarily. The way to detect lead poisoning is through a blood test. Since children are still growing, lead exposure at an early age can affect development.

Cutting down on lead exposure

If you live in an old house and are renovating it, close off each room that is being worked on. Keep young children out of them. Make sure that your diet is high in iron and calcium, as they can help prevent lead poisoning.

• Foods containing iron are chicken and turkey, spinach, eggs, tuna, lean beef and pork, dried beans and peas and whole grain products
• Foods containing calcium are dairy products and anything made with milk such as puddings and creamy soups

Lead Poisoning: Part 3 will cover New York laws regarding lead poisoning and will appear in this space next week. If you think your child or you yourself may be suffering from lead poisoning, be sure and have a blood test done. You might also schedule a free consultation with one of our lead poisoning attorneys, to learn more about your legal options. Please call or email us.