New York City Lead Poisoning Lawyers
Lead paint has numerous attributes which have made it attractive for both industrial and home uses. It contributes a fresh look to paint, is water resistant, and prevents corrosion. However, as science has progressed, it has been discovered that lead paint is actually very toxic and a buildup of lead within the body can cause severe neurological problems, especially in children.
If you have been exposed to lead point, contact the New York City lead paint attorneys of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. for a thorough evaluation of your case.
How to Avoid Lead Poisoning
There are numerous steps that can be taken in order to help prevent or minimize the risk of lead paint poisoning. Because both adults and children can be affected by lead paint poisoning, many of these steps should be taken regardless of whether or not your household has small children. If your house was built before 1978, you should be especially careful because the majority of these houses do have lead paint.
- Have your local health department inspect your house in order to determine if there is lead-based paint
- Safely remove and recoat all deteriorating paint with at least two coats of new paint
- Do not allow children to put toys into their mouths
- Regularly wash your and your children’s hands along with any children’s toys
- Have a doctor check your blood for elevated levels of lead on a yearly basis
Lead Paint in Toys
For many years, lead was added to paints as a pigment as well as for its other properties, including quick drying times, high durability, and resistance of moisture. Exposure to lead through inhalation or ingestion has dangerous effects, especially for children. Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978 but can still be found in some toys with parts imported from other countries that do not have lead paint regulations.
The danger of lead toys comes if a child accidentally inhales or ingests lead particles. If you suspect that your child’s toy may contain lead paint, immediately take the toy away from the child and safely dispose of it. When you purchase toys, be sure to only buy from companies that you trust. Check if the company has a safe toy policy or commitment to lead-free paint products.
Lead paint exposure can cause adverse effects that may not be immediately present. Especially in children under the age of six who are still developing at a very fast rate, lead exposure can cause developmental and behavioral problems. High levels of exposure can cause immediate effects, such as abdominal pain, constipation, agitation, lethargy, loss of appetite, and seizures. If you believe that your child may have been exposed to lead, take the child to a doctor, who can perform a blood test for lead poisoning.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to lead paint poisoning, contact the New York City lead paint lawyers of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.C. We will effectively and aggressively represent you and fight to win any compensation you may be owed under the law.