Napa Childhood Lead Poisoning Lawyer

In 1978, federal law banned the use of lead-based paint in residential homes. However, that was more than 100 years after Napa was established in 1850. Thousands of homes had already been built in the city, and many of them already contained lead-based paint. Many of them still do. The law did not require owners to remove lead-based paint. It simply banned the use in any new homes due to its dangerous nature. Anyone can suffer the harmful effects of lead exposure. Children, though, are particularly vulnerable. As paint ages, it starts to flake. The flakes become dusty, and that dust is then spread throughout the air. Children may also play with the flakes, even putting them into their mouths. All of this is very harmful to a child’s development. Below, our Napa childhood lead poisoning lawyer explains in further detail.

Young children become exposed to lead more often than many people think. Toddlers can become exposed if they stand near window sills painted with old, lead-based paint. Young children may also crawl on paint flakes that have fallen to the ground or floor. All of this exposes children to lead in paint or the contaminated dust they breathe in.

Imported candy, toys, home remedies, jewelry, and other utensils also often contain lead. Many industries, such as the auto and construction industries, still continue to use lead. Parents who work in these industries should not bring their work clothes into the house, as this can also expose children to lead. If you suspect your children have been exposed to lead, reach out to a lead poisoning lawyer in Napa right away.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no safe level of lead in a child’s blood. Multiple studies have also shown that exposure to lead can cause significant neurological damage to the brain of a child or fetus that is still developing. Even a blood lead level (BLL) lower than five micrograms per deciliter can result in serious harm, including:

• Loss of IQ
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Speech and language delays
• Impulsivity
• Behavioral issues
• Aggression
• Poor muscle coordination
• Hearing damage
• Decreased bone and muscle growth

It is important for parents to look for signs of lead poisoning in their children. While there is no cure for lead poisoning, children may require hospitalization or chelation therapy. The most common symptoms of lead poisoning in children are as follows:

• Loss of appetite
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Poor growth
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Muscle weakness and joint pain

If your child has suffered harm from lead exposure, our Napa lead poisoning attorney at Brod Law Firm can advise you of your legal options and help you claim any compensation you and your family may be entitled to. Call us now at (800) 427-7020 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.