Lead Paint Exposure Throughout New York

Lead Paint Poisoning Threat Remains For NY Children and Workers

People in New York and across the United States are still poisoned by lead and lead products every day despite strict laws to prevent lead exposure. At least 4 million households have children living in them that are exposed to lead levels of concern, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Many industries still use lead in manufacturing, putting workers at risk.

The New York attorneys at Belluck & Fox, LLP, represent individuals and families harmed by lead-based products. If you or your family member has been exposed to a lead-based product, or you have experienced symptoms of lead poisoning, you may be eligible to file a claim against the companies that used or manufactured lead-based products. We will explain your legal rights free of charge.

Contact the attorneys of Belluck & Fox LLP for prompt and professional service.

Understanding Who Is At Risk of Lead Poisoning  

In 1978, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the residential use of paint containing more than 0.06 percent lead. Yet, paint with significant amounts of lead is still used by industry and by the military. And many older houses and buildings still have surfaces covered with layers and layers of lead paint. Many older rental properties in New York have lead paint flaking off. Scraping or sanding lead paint can create dust and paint chips that can be inhaled or swallowed.

Lead-based paint is the most common way that children are exposed to lead. But both children and adults are at risk of lead exposure and can suffer from the effects of lead poisoning.

• Children Exposed to Lead— Young children up to age 6 are most at risk of harm from lead exposure because their bodies are still developing. A young child's exposure to lead can cause learning and behavioral problems and possibly damage his brain, kidneys, and other organs. Even low levels of lead have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic progress. In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control adopted new stricter standards for identifying children at risk of lead exposure. New York requires all health care providers to test children for blood lead levels at age 1 and again at age 2, as well as those children who are found to be at risk of lead exposure.
• Pregnant Women—Expectant mothers can also place their unborn babies at risk through lead exposure. Lead can cause a baby to be born too early or put the mother at risk of a miscarriage. New York requires health care providers to assess pregnant women for risk of lead exposure during the first pre-natal visit. In 2012, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene investigated six cases of lead poisoning associated with the use of 10 oral Ayurvedic medications made in India. The medications contained high concentrations of lead. Pregnant women with high lead levels may be candidates for chelation therapy.
• Workers Exposed to Lead— Lead is still used in many industries, including construction, mining and manufacturing. Workers are at risk of being exposed to lead by breathing lead fumes or lead dust, ingesting it or coming into contact with it. Certain jobs, such as welding, auto refinishing, plumbing, radiator repair, making lead batteries and demolition work, can expose workers to lead hazards. If workers do not shower and change clothes before leaving work, they may bring lead dust home on their skin, hair and clothing and expose their families. Exposure to even a small amount of lead can harm young children.

Manufacturers of hazardous products, including lead-based paints, may be held legally liable for the harm their products cause. If you or a loved one has been harmed by lead, you may have a right to compensation.

The New York attorneys at Belluck & Fox, LLP, represent individuals and families harmed by lead-based products in personal injury claims. Contact our firm by phone or online and we’ll provide an initial review free of charge.

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