Q: What is lead?

A: Lead is highly deadly metal which is used in products found at home for many centuries already. Even though there many sources of lead, lead-based paint which is found in many traditional homes is one of the most common products that have lead content. The federal government has prohibited the use of lead-based paint in housing since 1978, and some of the states also stopped from using it.

Q: Why is lead dangerous?

A: Lead is hazardous substance, particularly for young children. If it is not discovered earlier, the children with high levels of lead will experience damage in the brain and nervous system, behavior and learning problems, slow growth, hearing problems, and headaches. Even though adults are less vulnerable to lead poisoning compared to children, they can suffer from difficulties during pregnancy, other reproductive problems in men and women, hypertension, digestive problems, nerve disorders, memory and focus problems, muscles and joints pains.

Q: Why are children more vulnerable to lead poisoning rather than adults?

A: The infants and the children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning because they usually put their hands or other things in their mouths. Lead can penetrate the body when somebody placed his/her hands or other things that contain lead dust in their mouths. Lead can also penetrate the body when somebody eats paint chips or soil with lead, or breathes in the lead dust, particularly during any property renovation projects. Young children are more likely to lead poisoning since their growing bodies can absorb more lead, and their brains and nervous systems are more receptive to the harmful effects of the lead.

Q: Where can lead be found?

A: Generally, the older your house is, the more chances it has lead-based paint. Places, things, and activities where the lead can be found include the pre-1978 houses and properties, soil, drinking water, dust, old painted toys and furniture, liquid or food kept in lead-glazed containers, hobbies using lead, industries using lead, and old people using remedies with lead content.

Q: How can I safeguard my home and family from the hazards of lead?

A: If you think that there is lead in your home or when one of your family members has been subjected to lead, there are some steps you can do to ensure their protection. One, have your children’s lead levels be examined through simple blood test. Two, look and contact a qualified expert to evaluate the lead content in your home and/or to determine the potential risks of severe exposure of lead.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a consequence of exposure to lead?

A: If you or any of your family members have suffered any of the harmful symptoms or uncommon medical conditions that might be associated with exposure to lead, you must initially seek medical attention. Then, if you have used products with lead, or if you are worried that you or any of your family members were exposed to lead in your home, you may look for an experienced lawyer to discuss your options and safeguard your legal rights to remedy for any injury sustained from the exposure of lead.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of lead exposure?

A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions that might be related to lead exposure, you should first seek immediate medical attention. In the event that you have used products containing lead, or if you are concerned that you and your family have been exposed to lead around the home.