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An estimated 75 percent of privately-owned
residences in the United States built before
1978 contain dangerous lead-based paint. To
reduce the threat of lead poisoning, Congress
outlawed the manufacture and use of lead-based
paint. Unfortunately, the law does not apply
to the layers of lead-based paint that were
used before the law went into effect.
Especially when renovating an older home, the
possibility of lead poisoning should he
considered.
What is lead poisoning?
Lead is a highly toxic metal that is
virtually indestructible. Lead poisoning is a
serious illness caused by swallowing or
breathing too much lead.
What are the most common ways to get lead
poisoning?
The most common and well-known source of
dangerous lead deposits is lead-based paint.
It can be found nor only in paint chips, but
also the dust and dirt where lead-based paints
have flaked off or been disturbed during
renovations.
What are the common physical symptoms and
effects of lead poisoning?
Early symptoms may include headaches,
stomachaches, tiredness, mood changes,
digestive problems, poor appetite, and nausea.
The long-term effects depend on the length and
level of exposure. Low levels can cause
developmental, learning, and behavioral
problems, including impaired growth, loss of
intellect, hyperactive behavior, ADD, and
ADHD. High levels of lead poisoning can cause
brain damage, mental retardation, anemia,
liver damage, kidney damage, and hearing loss.
Very high levels of lead poisoning can cause
brain swelling, convulsions, coma, and even
death.
Who are the most common victims of lead
poisoning?
Infants and young children are most at
risk since they are more likely to eat paint
chips, be on the floor where lead-based paint
chips, dirt, or dust can be found, and place
contaminated objects into their mouth. They
are also more vulnerable because the lead is
more easily absorbed into their growing
bodies. A child’s brain, still in its
developmental stages, is much more susceptible
to injury from toxic substances.
How can I protect my family from lead
poisoning?
Inspect your surroundings and ask
questions. For example, if you are about to
purchase a home built before 1978, the seller
is required by law to disclose the existence
of lead-based paint. If you are renting, ask
the landlord for written assurance that no
lead- based paint exists. If you intend to
renovate a structure built before 1978, you
may want to hire an inspector to check for
lead, If you find your home or business
contains lead paint, do not try to remove it
yourself; hire a qualified contractor.
How do I find out if I have lead poisoning?
Get a blood-lead test. A lead level of 10
micrograms per deciliter or above is cause for
concern.
Legally, what should I do if I believe I have
lead poisoning?
These laws are complicated, and you should
be aware that the law could change, Consult a
qualified attorney immediately to ensure that
any claims you or Your family might have do
not expire.
Where can I go for more information about lead
poisoning?
National Lead Information Center at http://www.epa.gov/oppt/lead/pubs/nlic.htm.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/guide/1997/docs/factlead.htm
Alliance for Healthy Homes at www.afhh.org.
This page was adapted from a new brochure,
"Lead Poisoning and You," prepared
as a public service by the Texas Young Lawyers
Association. For a free copy, call
(800)204-2222, Ext. 2610. Visit www.texasbar.com
(click on consumer information) for a complete
list of available brochures.
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