One of the committees inside the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has advised the CDC should lower the threshold for lead poisoning in children, reports the New York Times's Motherlode Blog.
Lowering the threshold for lead poisoning would mean a lot more children would meet the standard for lead poisoning. Lead is likely to be present in most homes built before 1978, says The Times, and a high level of lead can lead to developmental delays, organ failures and other physical consequences.
It is estimated that currently, 250,000 children in the United States are affected by lead poisoning.
The researchers at FindLaw also point out that lead can be found in soil around a home, in household dust, and in drinking water. Other places to look for lead include your work, old painted toys and furniture, food, liquids, lead smelters, and even folk remedies.
If you suspect that there is lead in your home, or that your family has been exposed to lead, there are some steps you can take to ensure their protection
First, have your children's lead levels measured through a simple blood test. It is best to seek the advice of your doctor. Second, contact a qualified professional to assess the lead content of the paint in your home and/or to assess the risks of serious lead exposure. While home test kits are available, they may not always be accurate.
Third, if you find lead, hire a certified lead abatement contractor to permanently remove any lead hazards.
Fourth and final, consider speaking to a personal injury attorney to determine if you have a claim against the landlord and/or manufacturer. Lead poisoning in children is a serious matter and should be dealt with.
Related Resources:
- Find a Boston Personal Injury attorney (FindLaw)
- Protecting Your Family and Home from the Dangers of Lead (FindLaw)
- Lead FAQ (FindLaw)
- Ask a Question about Lead Poisoning Threshold (FindLaw's Answers)
- Low Level Lead Harms Children (CDC)
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