lead paint

Lead Poisoning is Dangerous for Children and Adults

June 15, 2021 | Gregory J. Brod

There is no such thing as a safe level of lead in the blood. Even the smallest amounts can result in unpleasant symptoms and mood disorders. When children suffer from lead poisoning, it is particularly hazardous because it can result in developmental delays and lifelong problems. While many lead poisoning cases focus on child injuries, adults can also suffer serious consequences when they are exposed to lead. Regardless of who is hurt by lead poisoning, they can hold manufacturers, property owners, and sometimes even more parties responsible for paying damages.

The Dangers of Lead Poisoning in Children

Prior to 1978, it was very common for paint used in homes to contain lead. Although this practice has been banned since the end of that decade, homes and other properties built before that time still often contain the dangerous substance. There are approximately four million homes in the country that currently have children living in them that are being exposed to lead on a daily basis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Due to the fact that these properties are older structures, the paint is often flaking and deteriorating, causing children to inhale or ingest it.

Lead Hazards and Landlord Responsibility in California

January 4, 2019 | Gregory J. Brod

The California Department of Public Health has previously declared that childhood lead exposure poses the greatest environmental health threat to children in the state. As such, both federal and California law provide protections to ensure that exposure to lead is minimized. Children are especially sensitive to lead exposure, and California has long been considered a leader in trying to eliminate lead exposure in children.

How are Children Exposed to Lead?

Since 1978, lead has been banned in paint in the U.S. However, especially in a city like San Francisco that has a tremendous amount of older housing stock, decades of lead-based paint still exists in many buildings. Over time, paint breaks down and is worn away. This results in dust and paint chips being released into the environment. As every parent knows, small children will put anything in their mouths, including paint chips. Furthermore, lead was a constituent ingredient in many plumbing products. When it degrades, it can enter the water supply, thereby serving as another method of introduction into the bodies of children. Finally, lead can accumulate in the dirt on the grounds of a dwelling as it sloughs off exterior painted surfaces. The dirt can then get ingested directly or brought into the house and incidentally ingested.

Paint Makers Must Pay California to Clean Up Lead Paint in Older Homes

February 20, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

In mid-February, the California Supreme Court denied hearing a number of paint manufacturers’ appeals. The paint manufacturers, ConAgra, NL Industries, and Sherwin-Williams, were ordered in November by the Sixth District Court of Appeal in San Jose to pay a significant sum to the state to enable it to remove lead paint from older homes, where the paint still has the potential to cause people serious harm, particularly children. The manufacturers are responsible for homes built before 1951. The potential lead paint cleanup is intended for 10 cities and counties throughout the state, and is estimated to cost $400 million.

The ruling stands for now, however the manufacturers have been fighting this suit since 2000 and are not finished. They have indicated that they may appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. They also intend to place an initiative on the California ballot, known as the Healthy Homes and Schools Act. If passed, taxpayers would carry the burden for the $2 billion bond ultimately used to fund the lead paint cleanup.

The Threat of Lead Paint

Does Your Apartment Have Lead Paint?

February 5, 2017 | Gregory J. Brod

There are no shortages of older buildings in San Francisco. While these old homes and apartment buildings may have their own charm, they also often have lead paint since it was not banned until 1978. When lead-based paint is in good shape, it poses little health threat to you or other renters. However, older and poorly maintained units can have lead paint that is chipping, peeling off the walls, and contributing to a great deal of contaminated dust. If you believe your unit has lead paint or you know it has lead paint and it is causing your health issues, call a San Francisco tenant rights attorney from Brod Law Firm as soon as possible.

The Potential Dangers of Lead Paint

Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause individuals both minor and serious health problems. When too much lead is absorbed into the body, it can cause seizures and lead to damage in the brain and other vital organs like the kidneys. Lead is particularly dangerous for kids and pregnant women. Even small amounts of lead in kids younger than 6 can lead to mental and physical developmental issues, according to the Mayo Clinic. For pregnant women, high lead levels in the body can increase the risk of miscarriage, early birth, low birth weight, health issues for the fetus, and developmental delays in the child.