Symptoms Related To Lead Based Paint Exposure

The symptoms of lead based paint poisoning are very important to know. If a person swallows any paint chips containing lead or breathes in some of the dust from such paint, he or she can experience significant health concerns. You may find lead in house paint especially if your home has paint that is old and chipping. Older homes are prone to have at least some lead paint within them. What makes lead hard to detect, though, is that it is odorless, tasteless and invisible. It is nearly impossible to detect until it causes health problems or tests reveal its presence.

Do You Have Symptoms of Lead Base Paint Exposure?

Lead based paint exposure will lead to various symptoms depending on how it is ingested by the body. In cases of significant ingestion, it is critical to get immediate medical attention. Some of the symptoms of repeat exposure to small amounts of lead include the following:

Behavioral problems with small children
Damage to kidneys that is unexplained otherwise
Hearing problems
Difficulty paying attention, difficulties in school for younger children
Slowed growth in children

If your child exhibits any of those symptoms, it is very important for you to seek aid from a doctor as soon as possible. This is especially true if there is house paint present dating prior to 1978, when it was no longer sold. In homes where paint is present from early 1960 or previously, it likely contains high levels of lead.

Other symptoms of potential lead based paint poisoning include:

Anemia
Abdominal pain (this is usually one of the first signs, especially in high doses of the lead paint)
Irritability
Headaches
A loss of appetite and lose energy levels
Reduced sensations in the hands and feet
Difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

Also, keep in mind that if someone consumes paint chips or has another type of high level of exposure to the paint, he or she may be vomiting, experience muscle weakness or failure, seizures, staggering walk or may enter coma.

Seek Medical Attention and Then an Attorney

In all situations, individuals should seek medical attention right away if they suspect that they have been exposed to lead based paint. If so, you may have a legal case, especially if you were not made aware of the presence of this paint during a home's sale or rental agreement. In these situations, contact an attorney to find out if you may have a case. An attorney can also give you advice on having lead paint properly tested within your home.

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