Lead Paint Litigation
Most major cities, including the St. Louis area, have a serious lead paint problem. It is common for older buildings in the metropolitan area to contain paint containing lead. Young children, exposed to lead paint, develop elevated levels of lead in their blood, which can result in serious neurological injuries, emotional disorders and learning disabilities. We have represented hundreds of lead paint victims in cases throughout Missouri and Illinois.
What is Lead?
What does Lead Do?
How is Lead Used and Who is at Risk?
What are the Health Hazards of Exposure to Lead Paint?
How Great is the Risk?
Who Needs to be Examined?
Individuals Exposed to Lead Paint Should
What is Lead?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that occurs naturally in the earth. The main problem with lead is that it is not biodegradable. It shifts from one area to another, persisting in the air, water, soil and in most homes. Lead was used in paint to achieve a brighter, fresher appearance, resist moisture, prevent metals from corrosion, prevent wood from deteriorating, increase paint durability and to make the paint dry quickly. Unfortunately, lead paint causes numerous health problems when inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin.
What Does Lead Do?
Lead is particularly dangerous because once it enters the body; it is distributed all throughout the body just like helpful minerals such as iron, calcium and zinc. It can cause harm wherever it lands in the body.
In the bloodstream, lead can damage red blood cells and limit their ability to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues that need it. In bones, the area of the body where most lead ends up, it can interfere with the production of blood cells and the absorption of calcium preventing bones from growing healthy and strong.
How is Lead Used and Who is at Risk?
Most commonly, lead poisoning comes from lead-based paint, which was used in many U.S. homes until the late 1970s, when the dangers of lead became known and the government banned manufacturing paint containing lead. Most houses built before 1978 still contain lead-based paint. When the paint begins to deteriorate and flake off, it releases lead particles in the air that settle on the ground.
When repainting an older home, the old paint is usually scraped off and, if that paint contains lead, the lead will get released into the air increasing risk of exposure.
Lead is also found in other environmental areas, including:
- Contaminated soil, which is found near busy streets, in part because lead was an ingredient in gasoline until the late 1970s. Soil surrounding homes that were painted with lead-based paint may be contaminated as well. Contaminated soil is a particular concern because it can also introduce lead dust into the home.
- Water that flows through old lead pipes or faucets, if the pipes begin to break down
- Food stored in bowls glazed or painted with lead, or imported from countries that use lead to seal canned food
- Some toys, jewelry, hobby, and sports objects (like stained glass, ink and plaster)
- Some folk or home remedies, such as greta and azarcon (used to treat an upset stomach)
Small children up to the age of 6 are at the maximum risk and are the most affected by lead paint exposure. Their bodies are growing rapidly, and when lead is ingested, it is absorbed quicker and will cause more harm and damage than to an adult. They tend to play on the floor and suck their thumbs, or put their fingers in their mouth and will sometimes eat small flakes of paint that might peel off the walls. It takes a very small amount of lead to cause serious damage to small children. In addition to children, any adult involved in removing old lead based paint is also at risk.
What are the Health Hazards of Exposure to Lead Paint?
Lead paint exposure, even in small quantities, can cause the following effects in children:
- Retarded mental and physical development
- Behavioral problems
- Learning disorders
- Drastically reduced attention span
Lead paint exposure causes one or more of the following symptoms in adults (some of these symptoms can also occur in children):
- Poor muscle coordination
- Over average irritability
- Damage to the kidneys, brain and nerves
- Fetal development in pregnant women is abnormal and can also lead to fetal death if lead pain exposure is severe
How Great is the Risk?
Risk is dependent on environment. Those living in homes known to contain lead based paint face the greatest risk.
Who Needs to be Examined?
Children 0-6 should be tested yearly for lead. Adults exhibiting one or more of the above symptoms should visit a doctor for testing.
Individuals Exposed to Lead Paint Should:
- Stop Smoking.
- Get regular health checkups. Successful treatment, like most diseases, lies in early detection.
- Get prompt medical attention if you experience any of the above symptoms.
- Take preventative measures when removing old lead based paint. Be sure to use all protective equipment and follow all safe work practices and procedures
It is tragic that these buildings ever contained lead paint. We think it is inexcusable that any landlord or owner allows lead-based paint to remain in buildings today. The children are the innocent victims of lead paint. If you or a loved one has been the victim of lead poisoning, please contact us to discuss your potential case.
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