Lead paint poisoning is believed to have caused nearly four percent of children in the Westchester and Hudson Valley area to experience lead poisoning. Speaking with reporters, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer confirmed that approximately 40 percent of housing units in Upstate New York were built well before lead paint was banned nationwide in 1978.
Schumer went on to announce that he was introducing legislation for the provision of tax credits to save homeowners and landlords up to 50 percent of the costs to remove lead in their homes. Schumer confirmed that he is also asking for increased funding of the U.S. Department of Housing and Development’s Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Home grant initiative. The program has experienced decreasing funds as of late.
Dangers of Lead Paint Poisoning
Exposure to lead paint can cause serious and even fatal conditions. Poisoning from the highly toxic metal builds up in the body over time before making its presence known. In addition to being found in the paint of old homes, common sources of lead include
- Pipes and sink faucets
- Paint sets and art supplies
- Toys painted before 1976
- Fishing sinkers made of lead
- Household items made before 1976
- Soil or dirt contaminated by car exhaust
Who is at Highest Risk for Developing Lead Poisoning?
Because they are prone to putting things in their mouths, children who live in old houses are at the highest risk exposure to lead poisoning. The poisoning has been documented to severely affect mental and physical development of children and can even prove to be fatal.
Adults who are elderly or have weakened immune symptoms are also at risk of developing serious condition from exposure to lead poisoning.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Because it takes a while for the symptoms to present themselves, lead poisoning can be difficult to detect. Among children, the most recognizable signs to look for include
- Weight loss
- Learning difficulties
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Irritability
Among adults, the symptoms to look for are
- High blood pressure
- Decline in cognitive abilities
- Memory loss
- Headaches
- Joint pains
- Numbness or tingling sensation in extremities
Call Us If You’ve Been Exposed to Lead Paint Poisoning
We applaud Sen. Schumer for his efforts to lead the effort to assist the families in Upstate New York and remove lead-based paint from their homes. Unfortunately, the health effects that originated with exposure to the toxic material cannot be reversed.
If you or someone you know has been affected by exposure to lead paint, we’d welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm today so that we can schedule a free initial consultation.