Lead is a heavy metal that was for many years used as an additive in paints.
It was used as a pigment as well as for its other properties, which include faster drying times, increased durability, and moisture resisting.
However, exposure to lead through inhalation or ingestion has dangerous implications, especially for children.
Lead paint was banned in 1978 but still remains in older homes and buildings across the nation, and is also sometimes found in children's toys.
Symptoms of Lead Exposure in Children Exposure to lead in children, especially those under the age of six, can cause behavioral and developmental problems later in life.
High exposure can lead to immediate symptoms such as abdominal pain, lethargy, constipation, agitations, loss of appetite, and seizures.
If you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, your doctor can perform a blood test.
Home Renovation Dangers The biggest danger of lead exposure comes from renovating older homes that include lead paint.
This paint was used extensively in older buildings until it was banned by the United States government in 1978.
Any type of sanding or scraping of the paint can release lead particle dust or chips into the air, which can be inhaled unknowingly.
Test for lead paint before renovating:
In addition, if your home was built prior to or around 1978, have a profession inspect your home for lead-based paint before you begin any renovations on your own.
Lead Paint in Toys Some toys still contain paint with lead in it.
Although exposure through toys is not as large a threat as exposure from home renovation, the risk that your child's toy contains lead paint is still present.
This is especially true for any toy with parts that may have been imported from countries that do not have adequate regulations.
The danger comes when a child puts a lead-painted toy in his or her mouth, or if the paint begins to chip.
If you suspect a child's toy contains lead, take the toy away from the child and dispose of it.
Only buy toys from companies that you trust and check if the company has a safe toy policy or commitment.
If you think your child may have been exposed to lead paint from a toy, take the child to a doctor to test for lead poisoning.
For more information about lead paint safety and injuries, visit the website of the NYC personal injury lawyers of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.
C.
It was used as a pigment as well as for its other properties, which include faster drying times, increased durability, and moisture resisting.
However, exposure to lead through inhalation or ingestion has dangerous implications, especially for children.
Lead paint was banned in 1978 but still remains in older homes and buildings across the nation, and is also sometimes found in children's toys.
Symptoms of Lead Exposure in Children Exposure to lead in children, especially those under the age of six, can cause behavioral and developmental problems later in life.
High exposure can lead to immediate symptoms such as abdominal pain, lethargy, constipation, agitations, loss of appetite, and seizures.
If you suspect your child has been exposed to lead, your doctor can perform a blood test.
Home Renovation Dangers The biggest danger of lead exposure comes from renovating older homes that include lead paint.
This paint was used extensively in older buildings until it was banned by the United States government in 1978.
Any type of sanding or scraping of the paint can release lead particle dust or chips into the air, which can be inhaled unknowingly.
Test for lead paint before renovating:
- Exterior surfaces
- Trim
- Baseboards
- Porches
- Columns
- Window sills
- Railings
- Stairs
In addition, if your home was built prior to or around 1978, have a profession inspect your home for lead-based paint before you begin any renovations on your own.
Lead Paint in Toys Some toys still contain paint with lead in it.
Although exposure through toys is not as large a threat as exposure from home renovation, the risk that your child's toy contains lead paint is still present.
This is especially true for any toy with parts that may have been imported from countries that do not have adequate regulations.
The danger comes when a child puts a lead-painted toy in his or her mouth, or if the paint begins to chip.
If you suspect a child's toy contains lead, take the toy away from the child and dispose of it.
Only buy toys from companies that you trust and check if the company has a safe toy policy or commitment.
If you think your child may have been exposed to lead paint from a toy, take the child to a doctor to test for lead poisoning.
For more information about lead paint safety and injuries, visit the website of the NYC personal injury lawyers of Orlow, Orlow & Orlow, P.
C.
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