Lead provides no known biological benefit to humans. Lead can produce adverse effects on virtually every system in the body; it can damage the kidneys, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and cause high blood pressure. It is especially harmful to the developing brains of fetuses and young children. There may be no lower threshold for some of the adverse effects of lead in children. In addition, the harm that lead causes to children increases as their blood lead levels increase. Blood lead levels as low as 10 micrograms/deciliter (ug/dL) are associated with harmful effects on children's learning and behavior. We should try to prevent the occurrence of blood lead levels of 10 ug/dL and above in children. Very high blood lead levels cause devastating health consequences including seizures, coma, and death. Children with venous blood lead levels of 20 ug/dL or above or with venous BLLs in the range of 15-19 ug/dL over a period of at least 3 months need a doctor's care. Elevated BLLs in children are a major preventable health problem that affects children's mental and physical health. The higher a child's BLL and the longer it persists, the greater the chance that the child will be affected. Elevated blood lead levels can result in: learning disabilities, behavioral problems, mental retardation, seizures, coma, and even death.

According to the Center for Disease Control, for children at risk for lead exposure, a simple blood test can prevent a lifetime spoiled by the irreversible damage caused by lead poisoning. One of the most important risk factors for lead exposure is the age of housing. Over 80 percent of all homes built before 1978 in the U.S. have lead-based paint in them. The older the house, the more likely it is to contain lead-based paint and a higher concentration of lead in the paint. According to recent CDC estimates, 890,000 U.S. children age 1-5 have elevated blood lead levels, and more than one-fifth of African-American children living in housing built before 1946 have elevated blood lead levels. These figures reflect the major sources of lead exposure: deteriorated paint in older housing, and dust and soil that are contaminated with lead from old paint and from past emissions of leaded gasoline. Lead poisoning can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and at very high levels, seizures, coma and even death. Children between 12 and 36 months of age have a lot of hand to mouth activity, so if there is lead in their homes, they are more likely to take it in than are older children.

Lead provides no known biological benefit to humans. Lead can produce adverse effects on virtually every system in the body; it can damage the kidneys, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and cause high blood pressure. It is especially harmful to the developing brains of fetuses and young children. There may be no lower threshold for some of the adverse effects of lead in children. In addition, the harm that lead causes to children increases as their blood lead levels increase. Blood lead levels as low as 10 micrograms/deciliter (ug/dL) are associated with harmful effects on children's learning and behavior. We should try to prevent the occurrence of blood lead levels of 10 ug/dL and above in children. Very high blood lead levels cause devastating health consequences including seizures, coma, and death. Children with venous blood lead levels of 20 ug/dL or above or with venous BLLs in the range of 15-19 ug/dL over a period of at least 3 months need a doctor's care. Elevated BLLs in children are a major preventable health problem that affects children's mental and physical health. The higher a child's BLL and the longer it persists, the greater the chance that the child will be affected. Elevated blood lead levels can result in: learning disabilities, behavioral problems, mental retardation, seizures, coma, and even death.

If you believe your child has been injured due to lead exposure, they have a valid legal claim and entitled to compensation. Legal claims involving lead may involve complex legal, medical and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim.

• Has your child been exposed to lead in gasoline, paint, and plumbing?

• Has your child been exposed to other lead base hazards in the home?

• What specific symptoms is your child demonstrating?

• Has your child been diagnosed as suffering from toxic lead exposure?

• Has a screening indicted elevated blood levels of lead?

• Has your child been exposed to Lead-based paint an older home, in lead-contaminated soil, in an abandoned industrial site, in hobby materials, ceramics, or cosmetics?

• Do you live in a home built before 1978 in the United States?

• Has an investigation been conducted by a state or federal agency?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate a lead exposure claim. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If your child or loved one is suffering from a lead exposure illness or injury, you should take immediate steps to protect their interest. Do not compromise their rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients. If you would like to know more, make a selection from the above box.