Lead poisoning occurs when the human body contains too much lead and it is especially harmful for children, whose developing brains can be permanently damaged by too much lead. Although lead poisoning has decreased n the U.S. in the last twenty years, instances of lead poisoning still occur. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer the following tips for keeping lead away from your family.
The most common source of lead poisoning is lead paint. Lead was banned in U.S. paints in 1978, but older houses may still have lead pain on their walls. This paint comes off over the years as dust, which may coat every surface in the house. If you suspect there may be lead paint in your house, have a professional test for lead and remove the paint if necessary.
If you can’t afford testing or paint removal, make sure there is no peeling paint or painted surfaces that your child can pull or chew on. If you’re pregnant or have young children, avoid entering buildings that are being renovated, since the renovation process can release lead paint dust into the air. Use a wet mop regularly to remove dust from your home’s floors, and use a wet cloth or sponge to wipe down walls and surfaces to remove dust. Wash children’s toys regularly, and teach children to wash their hands after playing with toys. Also, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission website http://www.cpsc.gov/ for recall notices, and do not let kids play with toys that have been recalled due to their lead content.
Many U.S.-made products must be lead-free, but that does not mean that you won’t find any products with lead. If you or a loved one is suffering from lead poisoning, and you suspect a household item is to blame, don’t hesitate to discuss the problem with an experienced Texas lead poisoning attorney. An attorney can help you figure out what happened and give you the information you need to understand and protect your family’s legal rights.
