Lead poisoning affects many children and families in New York. Lead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body over a period of months or years. Even a small amount of lead can cause serious health problems. It is a hazard hidden in many of the buildings and apartments within the metro area.
In New York City, many of the buildings and schools were built before lead based paint was banned in the U.S. in 1978, and they continue in operation throughout the city. Some children are unwittingly exposed to this hazard every day as they play with toys containing this type of paint or because they live in places that may be contaminated.
Lead Sources
Paint: Although lead based paints have been banned in the U.S. since 1978, lead based paint still remains on walls and woodwork in older buildings and homes. When the paint peels and cracks, it makes lead dust. Children can suffer the effects of lead poisoning if they swallow or breathe in lead dust.
Water pipes: Lead pipes, brass plumbing fixtures, and copper pipes soldered with lead can release lead particles into tap water. An individual then ingests that lead when they drink that water or use that water for cooking.
Household dust: Household dust can contain lead from lead paint chips or from contaminated soil brought in from outside.
Toys: Lead is sometimes found in toys and other products produced abroad.
Occupations: People are exposed to lead and can bring it home on their clothes when they work in auto repair, mining, pipe fitting, battery manufacturing, painting, construction and other fields.
Exposure to Lead
Exposure to lead can cause damage over time, especially in children. Some examples of the damage caused by lead poisoning are:
- Brain damage
- Kidney damage
- Seizures
- Speech impediment
- Behavior and learning disabilities
- Lower IQ and Hyperactivity
- Slowed growth
- Hearing problems
- Anemia
Symptoms in children
Lead poisoning can be hard to detect. Signs and symptoms usually don’t appear until dangerous amounts have accumulated. Symptoms that may indicate lead poisoning in a child are:
- Irritability
- Learning difficulties
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
Symptoms in newborns
- Born prematurely
- Lower birth weight
- Slowed growth
If you believe that your child has been exposed to lead surfaces and paint particles, contact us as soon as possible. Gorayeb & Associates, lawyers experts in lead poisoning will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
