Dangers of Lead Paint

Lead has been used as far back as eight thousand years ago. It is abundant and easy to shape for industrial uses. The Roman Empire used lead heavily and effectively. Lead had long been thought to be dangerous even in those times. However, it was not until the early 1900s that research revealed without a doubt, the incredible dangers of lead. It effects children more severely than adults, and even effects animals in much the same way as it does humans. These effects were seen because of the great increase in metal usage of the early 1900s with major industrial growth around the world.

Lead Paint Poisoning

Lead was used for many reasons in paints. It provided pigmentation as ‘chrome yellow’ and ‘white lead.’ It also helped very much with the actual nature of the paint. Lead makes for quicker drying paint, and longer lasting paint. Lead paint better holds a fresh look and water resistance than alternatives of the time of its use. In the early 1900s when Lead was proven to cause health problems its use began to dwindle. By 1948, its use was outlawed in the United States. Because lead poisoning affects children more readily than adults, even one small chip of paint can cause problems in children six and under. Lead poisoning from paint also occurs often in remodeling projects when the paint is heavily disturbed by sanding or breaking of walls altogether. Paint dust from sanding can be especially dangerous because it can go unnoticed. Heavy ingestion of air with lead paint dust in it even by adults can cause serious health problems.

Lead Paint Symptoms

Symptoms of lead poisoning from paint vary greatly. There are a huge number of factors that determine what sort of symptoms an individual will have from lead poisoning. There are also many different levels of lead poisoning. These levels are determined by the frequency, duration, and severity of lead exposure. Age must also be taken into account, as children six and under are effected more easily. Depending on these variables, any of the following can occur from lead exposure.

• Constipation
• Reduced IQ
• Slowed body growth
• Hearing problems
• Kidney damage
• Behavioral problems
• Anemia
• Low appetite and
• Low energy
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Irritability
• Aggressive behavior
• Pain and cramping in the abdomen
• Reduction in sensual responses

Legal Help

Lead poisoning test are covered by nearly all insurance companies. A family doctor will perform the test if asked. If lead poisoning is found, legal aid should be contacted. For those who rent their place residence, the landlord could be held to payment of triple the damages cost for withholding lead household content from the tenant. For homeowners, previous owners are required by law to supply all knowledge of lead content in the home before sale. Private attorneys will usually accept a lead poisoning case.