Even though lead paint was outlawed decades ago, there is still a risk of being exposed, particularly in Maryland, which has a lot of old homes and buildings. This toxic substance can cause many serious health problems, so you should know about the risks and how to keep yourself and loved ones from being exposed.

If you were exposed to lead paint and would like information about pursuing compensation for the injuries that you have suffered, an experienced Silver Spring lead poisoning attorney at Goldberg Finnegan can help. Contact us today to schedule a free case review.

Causes of Lead Paint Exposure

Lead paint was banned in the United States in 1978. However, homes built before this time may have lead paint in their walls and woodwork and children often develop lead poisoning when eating chips of deteriorating lead-based paint.

For adults, there are many potential sources of exposure. Lead pipes can release lead particles into tap water. Lead is also present in food cans from other countries that have not banned lead. Household dust can contain lead from lead paint chips in the home. Lead is also found in soil by highways and in some urban locations.

Lead and lead-based paint is also found in items such as:

  • Pottery
  • Candy
  • Toys
  • Cosmetics
  • Herbal remedies
  • Bullets
  • Automotive parts
  • Batteries

Why Is Lead Paint So Dangerous?

Exposure to lead paint can result in serious consequences, including causing damage to the kidneys and central nervous system. Lead exposure can cause gout or carpal tunnel syndrome. It can cause individuals to have seizures, go unconscious, fall into a coma or even die if left untreated. Lead paint exposure can also cause a low sperm count or cause preterm labor or the loss of pregnancy.

Some of the symptoms that adults may experience if they have been exposed to lead paint include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Higher blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Tingling, pain and numbness in the arms or legs
  • Anemia
  • Pain in the joints and muscles
  • Headache
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Memory loss
  • Problems concentrating
  • Decline in mental functions
  • Mood disorders
  • Hallucinations
  • Unusual metallic taste in the mouth

Has My Child Been Exposed?

Symptoms in children may be different than symptoms in adults. Children may have difficulty explaining their symptoms, so parents should look for possible signs of lead exposure, such as:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Black diarrhea
  • Jaundice
  • Lethargy
  • Irritability

Some children develop encephalopathy, which impacts the brain and can cause seizures, coma or even death. For many children, lead paint poisoning occurs over time. Symptoms of chronic lead poisoning include:

  • Slowed body growth
  • Delay in development
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced IQ
  • Hearing loss
  • Anemia
  • Blue tinge around the gums
  • Neurological weakness
  • Learning difficulties

Avoiding Exposure to Lead Paint

There are several ways that you can prevent you and your children from being exposed to lead paint, including:

  • Keep your child away from peeling paint or chewable surfaces that may contain lead paint
  • Stay away from home renovations in homes built before 1978
  • Wash hands and toys regularly
  • Regularly wet mop floors and window components
  • Take shoes off when entering the house to avoid bringing lead-contaminated soil into the home
  • Run water for at least one minute before use if living in an older property
  • Provide a sandbox for your child so he or she will not play in the soil
  • Install a filter for drinking water if water tests high for lead
  • Eat a diet rich in calcium and iron
  • Do not store wine or spirits in lead crystal decanters
  • Avoid imported canned foods

Contact a Silver Spring Personal Injury Lawyer for Help

If you or your family was exposed to lead paint, you may be able to pursue a claim for compensation to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The Silver Spring personal injury attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan are experienced in personal injury claims stemming from defective products and dangerous products like lead paint.

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee, so there are no attorney fees unless we are able to recover compensation on your behalf. We can discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.