Queens Lead paint injuries

Lead paint injuries are caused by the deterioration of paint and other products that were once commonly used in and around homes. It is a highly toxic metal and can cause serious health problems including behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death. Young children under the age of six are at high risk for these detrimental effects of lead poisoning.

In 1978, between three and four million children in the United States had elevated blood lead levels. Since that time, products that contain lead have been phased out or reduced because of the increased awareness of its health effects. In 2002, approximately 310,000 children had elevated blood lead levels. Although the number continues to decline, lead poisoning still causes injuries and deaths.

Some of the common ways people, especially children, are exposed to lead include putting their hands or other items covered with lead dust in their mouths, eating paint chips or soil that contains lead, and breathing in lead dust. Unfortunately, the health consequences of exposure to lead in children can be especially dangerous because their bodies absorb more lead than an adult's and are more sensitive to its damaging effects.

If the high lead levels are not detected early, children may experience:

• Brain and nervous system impairment
• Behavior and learning problems
• Slowed growth
• Hearing problems
• Headaches

Adults can also suffer from lead poisoning. The effects may be slightly different for this age group and include:

• Problems during pregnancy
• Additional reproductive problems (men and women)
• Elevated blood pressure
• Digestive problems
• Nerve disorders
• Muscle and joint pain
• Memory and concentration problems

Lead-based paint that is in poor condition is the most common hazard. Areas that get a lot of wear-and-tear such as windows and window sills, doors and door frames, stairs, railings, banisters, porches, and fences are likely to be places where lead dust, peeling, chipping, chalking, and cracking are present. Any lead-based paint that is not in good condition should be attended to immediately to avoid potentially serious health problems.