Injury In Idaho

Lead Poisoning: A Real and Present Danger

It’s a fact that lead poisoning still endangers the health and lives of millions of Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are 500,000 U.S. children between ages 1 and 5 with blood lead levels above the maximum level at which public health actions are initiated.Lead poisoning results from a lead build up in the body over a period of time. And it doesn’t even have to be a large amount of lead to cause serious injury or even death. Children under age 6 are especially vulnerable.Common Sources of LeadPublic or private buildings built before 1978 probably contain lead-based paint and this is the most common source of lead poisoning in children. Even if old lead paint has been covered, lead dust may be released during home renovations. Lead can appear in the water supply from pipes and solder – even in homes built after 1978. Lead poisoning is also associated with certain occupations like home renovators and auto repair shops.Lead can appear in merchandise, even items meant specifically for children. Toys, children’s furniture and luggage, sports equipment, beads and jewelry and even playground equipment have been among those products found to contain harmful lead levels.

The Bendell Law Firm of Coeur D’Alene, ID recommends signing up to receive U.S. government agency recall alerts via email to keep on top of the latest lead dangers and other product recalls.

Lead Poisoning Signs

Watch for signs of lead poisoning in children like:

  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Learning difficulties

Adults who may have lead poisoning exhibit different symptoms, including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle weakness
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Some mental impairment
  • Memory loss
  • Mood disorders

Just a simple blood test will detect lead poisoning. Avoiding further exposure or medication can reduce blood levels, but for some severe cases the damage may be irreversible.

Act to Prevent Lead Poisoning

Some simple steps can help protect your family from lead poisoning:

  • Always wash children’s hands before eating, at bedtime and after being outdoors to avoid any contaminated dust getting in the mouth.
  • If you have older plumbing, run cold water at least a minute before using. Don’t use hot water from the tap for cooking.
  • Cover old paint with new paint or paneling.
  • Wash work clothes separately without shaking out dust or dirt.
  • Avoid eating or drinking where lead dust may be present.
  • Check that contractors follow EPA-required processes when remodeling.

If you or a family member has been harmed by lead poisoning, perhaps from someone’s negligence, call Attorney James Bendell, personal injury lawyer, for a free consultation. You can reach us at  or through our website. Remember – ingesting just a few dust particles from lead-based paint is enough to poison a child.

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