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Preventing Lead Paint Exposure in Children
Filed under Lead Paint Poisoning Published on October 4, 2019 and updated on July 20, 2026.
Ingestion or skin contact with lead paint can cause serious health risks to children. It is important to learn where a child can come into contact with this harmful substance and limit exposure if possible. Prevention starts through learning what has lead paint in it and how to avoid these items.
If your child has suffered injury because of lead paint exposure, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Consult with a lead paint poisoning lawyer in Baltimore at Peter T. Nicholl Law Offices for legal help. We know what it takes to build a strong lead paint poisoning case when it affects a child.
Why Young Children Are at Greater Risk
The younger the child, the more he or she will crawl and lay on the floor. Children are often running around, playing with toys, placing their hands on the walls and putting items in their mouth. These actions can increase contact with lead paint significantly and lead to a greater risk of lead paint poisoning. Swallowing lead dust and paint chips is more common the younger the child is. Even a tiny amount of lead can seriously harm a child’ health.
Sources of Lead Paint Exposure
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 percent of lead paint exposure and poisoning occur from sources found other than in dust or paint chips. These can include the following:
- Traditional home remedies used for upset stomach or indigestion
- Imported candies from other countries
- Imported toys outside the United States
- Imported cosmetics
- Domestic pottery and ceramics
- Drinking water contaminated by lead coming from lead pipes and brass fixtures
- Consumer products which often include tea kettles and metal containers
Effects of Lead Paint Poisoning
Lead paint exposure and poisoning can lead to certain symptoms. However, children may not appear sick or exhibit all symptoms. Possible signs of lead paint poisoning include the following:
- Sluggish behavior after exposure
- Headaches, tremors or seizures
- Abdominal cramps
- Constipation or irritability
- Hyperactivity
- Loss of appetite
The effects are usually severe and often permanent. The poisoning may require hospitalization or blood treatment. Some children can suffer from brain damage, learning disabilities or even death.
How to Protect a Child From Lead
With care, maintenance and careful assessment of what is in the home, a parent or loved one can protect a child from lead in the following ways:
- Wash the lead dust off if the home was built before 1978
- Wash a child’s hands and all toys even if they look clean
- Mop, dust and wash around the house and all metal containers
- Repair peeling paint quickly
- Keep lead out of the house
- Avoid lead products, jobs with lead and hobbies that involve lead
- Check pipes, let them run for one minute before using the water and contact the landlord if there are any issues
There are many products and items that can contain lead. It is imperative to keep these out of reach of children and to avoid bringing them in the house if possible. Pottery, crystal and pewter from certain countries may contain lead. If necessary, keep the small child in a contained area free from any lead products. Contact with lead may require emergency medical assistance.
Call Our Legal Team to Learn More
Once a child has ingested or come into contact with lead paint, it is critical to know what to do next and how to handle the situation. During a free, no obligation consultation, our lawyers can explain your legal options and what to expect during the claims process. There are no upfront fees or costs involved for our services. We only get paid if we help you obtain compensation.
Contact our office today by calling 410-244-7005.
