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What are the Signs of Lead Paint Exposure?
Posted on behalf of Peter T. Nicholl in Lead Paint Poisoning Published on October 16, 2018 and updated on March 7, 2022.
Maryland has many old buildings that were built before lead paint was made illegal in 1978. This means residents are still at risk for being exposed to lead paint and suffering serious health problems.
This is why you should educate yourself on the signs of lead paint exposure in case you or a loved one is exposed. That way you can get yourself or your loved medical attention as soon as possible to treat symptoms and help limit further exposure to this toxic substance. Our Maryland lead paint poisoning lawyers offer a free, no obligation consultation so you can learn your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.
Symptoms to Watch for
Lead is a strong poison that is often found in paint, including paint on old houses and toys. Lead poisoning is difficult to detect, as victims can appear healthy even when their blood has a high level of lead. Symptoms typically only appear when dangerous quantities of lead have accumulated in the body.
Signs of lead poisoning in adults include:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- High blood pressure
- Mood disorders
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Kidney dysfunction
- Sleep disturbances
- Aggressive behavior
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Lower sperm count and/or abnormal sperm (in adult males)
- Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth (in adult women who are pregnant)
Symptoms in Children and Newborns
Signs of lead poisoning in children include:
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Eating items that are not food
- Fatigue
- Sluggishness
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Hearing loss
- Learning difficulties
- Developmental delay
Signs of lead poisoning in newborns include:
- Premature birth
- Lower birth weight
- Slowed growth
If you suspect your child has high lead levels, schedule a screening with your pediatrician for blood lead level testing.
Who is At Risk for Lead Poisoning?
Children are most at risk for lead poisoning, especially when living in houses built prior to 1978 with chipped paint. Children are more likely to put things or their fingers in their mouths, which could lead to them ingesting lead paint chips.
People who live in homes built before 1978 are at higher risk of lead poisoning. These homes may contain lead-based paint or remnants of it.
Certain hobbies can increase the risk of lead exposure. Making stained glass or jewelry can expose one to lead through lead solder. Refinishing old furniture that has lead paint can also cause exposure.
Also, people in developing countries are at risk of lead poisoning, as many countries do not strictly regulate the use of lead. This is why parents should check lead levels in a child adopted from a developing country.
How to Avoid Lead Exposure
To lower your risk of lead exposure, use the following strategies:
- Wash hands regularly, especially before eating
- Wash children’s toys, bottles and cups regularly
- Get rid of painted toys and canned goods from other countries
- Take off your shoes before going inside your house
- If you have older plumbing in your home, run cold water through the pipes before using tap water
- Use cold water when preparing food and drinks
- Keep your children from playing on soil
- Keep your home well-maintained, especially where peeling paint is concerned
- Keep your home dust-free
- Only work with contractors who are lead-control certified
- Use lead-free paint inside your house
- Make sure your child’s diet is healthy and rich in calcium, vitamin C and iron
Contact Our Maryland Attorneys for Help
If you or someone you love was injured due to lead exposure, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our Maryland lead paint poisoning lawyers can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Schedule a free, no obligation consultation today and learn what legal options may be available in your case. We charge no upfront fees and are only paid if we recover compensation for you.
Call 410-244-7005 or complete our Free Case Review form now.
