lead poisoning

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.

Lead Poisoning in Your Daily Life

August 10, 2018 | Gregory J. Brod

Lead poisoning is the most common environmental illness in children in California today and can lead to lifelong injuries, including learning disabilities, speech impairment, and other developmental issues. There is no known level of lead that can exist in the body safely, so any amount of lead that seeps into your body can be considered lead poisoning. Luckily, lead poisoning is preventable in most instances, so educating yourself on what lead poisoning is and where lead particles can be found in your daily life can help prevent injury to yourself or your child. However, there are times when you may encounter lead in your home as a result of your landlord’s failure to notify you of the existence of lead in your building or another violation of California lead regulations. Call the attorneys at Brod Law Firm if you suspect there may be lead in your building or have suffered from lead poisoning.

Lead Poisoning in Your Daily Life

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