Like arsenic, mercury and other toxic substances, lead is a poison which does tremendous harm to those who come in contact with it or ingest it. Lead exposure is especially devastating to fetuses and young children. The human body, and particularly the brain, develops most rapidly during these years. Exposure to lead can impair the development of the brain and other parts of the body. The younger a child is, the greater the hazard posed by lead.

Severe lead exposure can cause coma, convulsions and even death. Medical researchers have established that minor lead exposure in children is associated with decreased intelligence and slower neurobehavioral symptoms. In addition, lead poisoning can produce attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and aggressive behavior. For these reasons, when tests reveal increased blood lead levels in a child, intervention must be prompt and result in complete termination of any further exposure to lead.

Children are exposed to the lead in a variety of ways. Aside from the ingestion of lead paint chips, soil and dust are significant sources of lead exposure during play activity and inhalation. Many children ages six months to 12 years engage in hand-to-mouth activity, which can lead to ingestion of large amounts of lead contaminated soil and dust.

Lead-based paint which chips and peels or flakes away from the exterior walls of buildings is a primary source of lead contamination. Anytime a lead-based paint surface is breached, meaning if the paint is chipped or torn or flaked or scratched or damaged in any way, it poses a lead-based paint hazard. Lead-based paint which chips or flakes off the exterior of a building contaminates the surrounding soil, making it toxic as well. The Centers for Disease Control, the EPA, OSHA and other regulatory agencies, have concluded that soil which contained 500 parts per million (ppm) is considered toxic.

If your child has been exposed to lead or found to have increased blood lead levels, contact us online or call us at 877-KYJUSTICE to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.