Lead Poisoning Attorneys New York
Lead is a highly toxic metal which is found in small quantities throughout the environment. Lead poisoning is a preventable condition caused by occupational or environmental exposure to lead and is often a result of inhalation or ingestion of lead dust or fumes. Once ingested or inhaled, lead moves through the bloodstream and organs to the bones where it is stored.
America’s No. 1 source of lead exposure in small kids is deteriorating lead paint in older housing. Because young children have a habit to put their thumbs and fingers and objects they handle in their mouths, they can easily get poisoned from chronic ingestion of lead paint chips and house dust or soil that might have lead particles in it. Lead particles generated by the past use of leaded gasoline are also in the soil, especially near major highways. Lead exists at some work sites and, occasionally, in drinking water, ceramicware, and a number of other products.
Lead Poisoning Law Firm
Lead can come from many sources but the most common are: Lead contaminated dust, Soil with high levels of lead, Older homes that were painted with lead based paint, Plumbing–some pipes are laced with lead and can contaminate drinking water. Children under the age of six are the most are risk for lead poisoning and health officials say that more than four percent of all children in the United States have lead in their blood at some level. This puts children at high risk for serious health issues. Studies show that high levels of lead in the body can affect the brain, kidneys and bone marrow. Children with low levels of blood can have problems paying attention and learning difficulties. The symptoms of lead poisoning can be confusing because they are similar to other conditions. They include abdominal pain, a headache, vomiting, confusion and muscle weakness.
Workers involved in shutdowns or demolition at refineries, bridge reconstruction, remodeling and refinishing (especially involving sandblasting, pipefitting, and welding), should be aware of the early signs of lead poisoning and seek medical screening and advice if they believe that they have been exposed to lead. Such work related injuries often involve workers compensation issues.
Some of the early signs of lead poisoning include:
* Fatigue
* Tremors
* Irritability
* Muscle and Joint Pain
* Reduced sensations
* Headaches
* Low appetite and energy