The Dangers of Being Exposed to Dust From Lead Paint That Was Disturbed

There are various ways people can suffer lead poisoning, but the most common way is by breathing in or ingesting dust. Often, lead dust, such as from lead paint, is breathed in inside an older home that contained lead paint. The paint may have been disturbed when the home was being renovated. Lead dust often rests on surfaces like floors and windowsills.

Below, we discuss the dangers of dust from lead paint. People often do not realize how long it takes for lead dust to settle and get out of the air. That means it can hang around for a significant amount of time to be breathed in by anyone in the area.

If you were exposed to lead paint and diagnosed with related health problems, give us a call today. You may have legal options for pursuing compensation for medical expenses and other damages. An initial consultation is free of charge and there are no upfront fees if you hire our firm to represent you.

How is Lead Dust Created?

Lead dust is often released into the air when lead paint is scraped, sanded or heated, such as during renovations on an older home. Cutting and demolition of old buildings can also release lead dust into the air.

Lead dust can also be kicked up into the air when painted surfaces are rubbed together. For example, lead dust can come from windows and window frames, such as when windows are opened and closed.

While lead paint is dangerous, it is usually not a significant hazard if it is in good condition. The problem arises when the paint ages, because it can start to chip and eventually crumble into dust. While one tiny paint chip may not seem that dangerous, it contains enough lead to poison a child.

A small amount of lead dust can also be incredibly dangerous. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says one gram of lead dust, which is about the size of one packet of sugar/sweetener, could contaminate an entire room to a hazardous level.

That is why homeowners and property owners need to be very cautious when renovating an older property that may contain lead. There are practices approved by the EPA for protecting people from lead exposure when renovating a home. The EPA certifies painters and others involved in home renovation in the safe removal of lead paint.

While there are some levels of lead exposure that could be considered safe, being exposed to less than these “safe” levels could still cause harmful effects.

How Long Does Lead Paint Dust Linger in the Body?

One of the biggest problems with lead exposure is it can linger in the body for a significant amount of time. Consistent exposure can cause lead to buildup in the body and result in severe physical and cognitive problems.

Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children, as their bodies expel less of it than adults – children’s bodies absorb lead more easily than adult’s bodies, as 50 percent of the lead children ingest can be absorbed. That means lead can linger in children’s bodies for much longer. If a child is exposed to a significant amount of lead and it gets into bone, it could remain there for decades.

Who Could be Held Liable for Exposure to Lead?

If you own your home and the party you bought it from did not inform you there was lead paint, and you can prove they knew about, it is possible they may bear liability for damages.

If you rent a property and the owner did not take the proper steps to deal with the issue, the landlord may have liability for damages.

Corporations could bear liability, such as if they allowed lead to contaminate the water supply or allowed their activities to release lead dust into the air near a residential area.

Many lead poisoning claims are filed by those who rented property that was contaminated. These claims are often filed against property owners.

These claims are complex and difficult to prove, which is why you need an experienced attorney. Establishing when and where lead exposure occurred and proving it was caused by negligence is a complex task.

Frequently Asked Questions About Exposure To Dust From Lead Paint

Can I file a lawsuit if I was exposed to lead paint dust in a rental property?

Yes. If a landlord failed to address known lead hazards, neglected maintenance, or allowed unsafe conditions to persist, you may have grounds for a claim. The firm can evaluate whether negligence contributed to your exposure and pursue compensation for related damages.

How do I prove that lead paint dust exposure caused my health problems?

These cases often require medical records, environmental testing, and evidence linking the exposure to a specific property or event. The firm can work with experts to establish causation and build a strong claim on your behalf.

Who can be held responsible for lead paint dust exposure?

Liability may include landlords, property sellers, contractors, or companies that failed to follow safety regulations. The firm can investigate all potentially responsible parties and determine who may be held accountable for your injuries.

Can I take legal action if my child was harmed by lead dust exposure?

Yes. Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, and claims can be pursued on their behalf. The firm can help parents or guardians seek compensation for medical care, developmental impacts, and long-term harm.

What if I was exposed during a home renovation or construction project?

If proper safety protocols were not followed during renovations, contractors or property owners may be liable. The firm can assess whether EPA guidelines or other safety standards were violated and whether that led to your exposure.

Is there a time limit to file a lead poisoning lawsuit?

Yes. Maryland law imposes deadlines for filing personal injury claims. Because lead exposure cases can involve delayed symptoms, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

What compensation may be available in a lead paint dust claim?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, ongoing treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, and in some cases long-term developmental or cognitive impacts. The firm can assess the full value of your claim.

How can The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl help with a lead exposure case?

The firm can investigate the source of exposure, gather evidence, consult experts, and handle negotiations or litigation. With experience in complex lead poisoning claims, they can guide you through the legal process and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Find Us Today

Contact Us Today to Discuss a Potential Claim

For decades, the experienced Baltimore lead paint poisoning attorneys at The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl have been securing compensation for victims of others’ negligence. We have obtained millions for those injured by lead poisoning caused by another’s negligence.

If you have health problems related to lead paint poisoning, we are here to help you consider your legal options. We do not charge upfront fees for our services and there are no fees while working on your case.

Give us a call today. We are ready to assist you. 410-401-9979