Lead is a highly toxic metal that has been commonly used for thousands of years because of its abundance, low cost, and physical properties. Lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products including paint, pipes, ceramics, solders, batteries, gasoline and cosmetics.

Total annual production of lead is about 8 million tones (worldwide) and about half is made from recycled scrap. The main countries that produce lead are Australia, China and the US, which account for more than half of primary production.

Health effects

Lead is a poisonous metal, which can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Long term exposure to lead or its salts may cause nephropathy, and colic-like abdominal pains.

The greatest risk of harm from lead poisoning is to children aged under seven as their bodies and brains are sensitive to even small quantities of lead. The injury may not appear for many years after the initial exposure to lead. The main injuries that lead can cause in children are brain damage, learning disabilities, loss of intellect and IQ points, neuropsychological deficits, attention deficit disorder, hyperactive or antisocial behavior, and encephalopathy.

The injuries can sometimes become deadly or can prevent children from realizing their potential, or from becoming an independent adult. According to EPA, 9,150 children are expected to have an IQ score below 70 as a result of their exposure to lead.

Sources

Since 1980, federal and state regulatory standards have helped to minimize or eliminate the amount of lead in consumer products and occupational settings. Today, the most common sources of lead exposure in the United States are:

HOUSE PAINTS - Lead-based paint in older homes is the main source of lead exposure. Before 1950, lead-based paint was used on the inside and outside of most homes. It was also used to make several colors. However, federal regulations prohibited using lead in paint for general use. But, still there are many homes, which were built prior to 1977. Almost all of them are likely to contain lead-based paint.

DRINKING WATER - When materials used in plumbing materials, such as lead-based solders, pipes, brass and chrome plated faucets, begin to corrode and break down.

DIRT - Dirt near heavily-used roads generally contain lead because lead is commonly used in gasoline. Also, lead may be present in the soil near to homes that previously had been painted with lead-based paint.

In addition to the above mentioned sources, lead can also be found in plastic mini-blinds and vertical blinds which were manufactured in other countries. Lead can be in old toys, some imported toys, leaded crystal, lead-glazed or lead-painted pottery, certain inks, plasters and hobby and sports materials.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Following are the main symptoms of lead poisoning:

• muscle and joint weakness or pain
• headaches
• behavioral problems or irritability
• excessive tiredness or lethargy
• difficulty concentrating
• metallic taste in the mouth
• abdominal pain
• nausea or vomiting
• constipation
• loss of appetite

Legal Rights

Though the hazards caused by lead poisoning are generally incurable, an economic recovery can assist the victim to have occupational therapy, medical care and special education. The cases have to be handled by attorneys specialized in lead poisoning lawsuits.

Free initial consultation - If you or your child or a loved one has elevated lead levels or lead poisoning, please fill out and submit the form at the right or contact us today at 1-800-780-2686

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