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Lead Poisoning

According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 310,000 children in the U.S. have elevated levels of lead in their blood. While this number may not seem terribly large, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently named childhood lead poisoning “a major environmental health problem in the U.S.”

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lead poisoning, the lawyers at our New York City office can help. Lead poisoning occurs when the amount of lead in a person’s bloodstream is too high. The body cannot cope with large amounts of lead, so excess lead within the body will have toxic effects. Once lead enters the bloodstream, it can travel to tissues and major organs, including the brain, liver and kidneys, and can even affect bones and teeth on a long-term basis. Young children and expectant mothers are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning can also have serious effects on adults, and those exposed to lead products and dust as an occupational hazard are particularly at risk. Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults can include:

  • Hypertension
  • Cognitive and concentration problems
  • Memory loss
  • Kidney failure
  • Liver failure
  • Chronic headaches
  • Joint pain
  • Impotence
  • Central nervous system issues

In addition to these health problems, expectant mothers can suffer miscarriage or stillbirth or give birth to underdeveloped babies.

Lead Poisoning Sources

Lead exposures most often result from dust contaminated by lead-based paint. Nearly 75 percent of U.S. homes constructed before 1980 contain some lead paint. An estimated 3 million tons of lead still coats the walls and woodwork of American homes. Additionally, many older homes have lead pipes or pipes that were soldered with lead. This type of plumbing often results in lead exposure through the home’s water supply. Industrial sites also commonly cause lead exposure. Lead smelters and refineries, battery manufacturers, iron and steel production plants, and plants involved in the manufacture of tetraethyl and tetramethyl lead may contaminate the surrounding area with dangerous levels of lead in the air, ground and water.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of lead poisoning, you may be entitled to compensation. Our attorneys have extensive experience prosecuting lead poisoning cases. Contact the lead poisoning lawyers at Kelner & Kelner Esqs to schedule a complimentary case review and consultation.