Serving Washington DC, Virginia & Maryland Since 1953
Lead poisoning is an issue that impacts families across America. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2017, approximately half a million children aged 5 and under are affected by lead poisoning. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious problems in children, affecting physical and mental development. There is no safe blood lead level for children.
If your child has been diagnosed with lead poisoning or you suspect that he or she has been exposed to lead, do not wait to act. Ashcraft & Gerel is standing by to offer insight regarding your legal options against the manufacturer of the product that contains lead or another party responsible for your child’s lead exposure. We also represent adults affected by lead poisoning, and we take on product liability cases across Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. No matter the circumstances surrounding exposure and the consequences, you can count on our experienced lead poisoning lawyers to accurately assess your options.
Sources of Lead: Buildings, Consumer Products & More
Lead can be found in different parts of your environment. You or your child may be exposed if:
- You live in a home built before 1978, before lead-based paints were banned in the U.S. If lead paint is peeling or cracking, lead dust can be inhaled or ingested.
- You have purchased household items manufactured for a major brand overseas. Recent reports of lead poisoning include household items such as garden hoses manufactured in countries with lax or no controls on lead content.
- You use consumer products that contain lead, such as jewelry, older toys, products from other countries, cosmetics, or plastics.
- You work in an environment where lead exposure is likely, such as a recycling plant. If such a workplace does not provide shower facilities, mandatory change of clothes at the end of each shift, or other safeguards, an employee may also expose his or her family to secondary lead poisoning.
Lead can also be found in certain candies imported from Mexico, specifically those containing chili powder or tamarind. Ink on candy wrappers may contain lead, and some spices from Syria, Vietnam, and India have also been found to contain lead.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Early on, it can be difficult to detect lead poisoning. Symptoms may not present until dangerous amounts of lead have already been accumulated. That is why it is important to watch for potential symptoms and to seek medical help right away.
The following are potential symptoms of lead poisoning in children:
- Developmental delays
- Behavioral disorders
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
- Hearing loss
- Seizures
- Pica (an abnormal desire to eat substances that are not meant to be eaten)
Adults may experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Mood disorders
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- High blood pressure
- Muscle and joint pain
- Reduced sperm count in men
- Miscarriage or other problems in pregnant women
If you notice signs of lead poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor will be able to determine whether a blood test is needed and will advise you on treatment options. It is crucial to identify lead poisoning, prevent continued exposure, and seek treatment.
Call (866) 709-0505 to Speak with a Lead Poisoning Attorney
The consequences of lead exposure can be far-reaching, affecting you and your family on many levels. Recovering fair compensation for medical care and other expenses or losses can help you face a more stable future. Our lead poisoning attorneys are committed to helping with your product liability lawsuit or other personal injury action against the party or parties that are responsible for your exposure.
