A common joke that exists is for one person to ask another if he or she ate paint chips as a kid.  While humor can lighten almost any situation, the fact of the matter is that paint chips have been and continue to be a danger for people all over New York because of the lead present in older house paints.  Efforts are underway around the state to help eliminate the presence of lead-based paint, but that has not and will not eliminate the need for legal help for those who have suffered from lead poisoning because of their exposure to this substance.

Lead Paint Poisoning - How it Occurs

Lead-based paint is a product that used to be extremely common, but after it was discovered that exposure to this paint could be dangerous, its use dissipated.  Basically, any home or structure built before 1978 that has not had its old paint removed could still expose people to lead and its aftereffects.  These lead paint side effects can be extremely dangerous for anyone who is exposed to the lead for too long or at levels that are too high.  This is particularly true of children who tend to eat paint and stick their hands or other objects that have paint dust on them in their mouths.

Lead Paint Poisoning - The Harm

Lead paint poisoning occurs over time, and the medical result is that the blood contains elevated levels of lead.  The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that almost 900,000 children between the ages of one and five have elevated levels of lead in their blood, and these elevated levels can lead to:

• Damage to the central nervous system
• Damage to the brain
• Damage to the circulatory system

Any of these problems can be severe and in many cases permanent. 

New York Lead Poisoning Lawyers

In addition to the problems lead-based paint can cause, those who are responsible for exposure to this harmful substance could be liable for damages in certain situations.  If you or someone you love has suffered from the effects of exposure to lead-based paint, you need the help of New York personal injury lawyers who understand how to hold parties responsible for harm properly accountable.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today at 800-323-9900 to schedule a free initial consultation.