Lead Poisoning Information Center

Frequently Asked Questions about Lead

Q: What is lead?

A: Lead is a naturally occurring, bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Lead can be found in all parts of our environment. Lead is used in the production of batteries, ammunition, metal products (solder and pipes), and devices to shield X-rays. Because of health concerns, the amount of lead contained in gasoline, paints and ceramic products, caulking, and pipe solder has been dramatically reduced in recent years.

Q: Where are lead-containing products or materials found?

A: Lead can be found in many places. If someone in your household works with lead, they can bring it home to your family on their clothing. If you live in a house built before 1978, there is a good chance your house contains lead-based paint. If there is lead-based paint on the exterior of your house, lead may be in the soil around your house. Also, some foods or liquids might contain lead if they are stored in lead crystal or lead glazed pottery.

It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 25 children under the age of 6 in the United States has elevated levels of lead in their blood; that is almost one million children nationwide.

Lead Paint - Lead Dust - Children - Toddler - Ingestion

Toll Free: (866) 442-5323

From three convenient locations (White Plains, Newburgh (Orange County), and the Bronx), the Law Office of Charles N. Rock, PLLC represents clients throughout New York in lead poisoning cases. Our lawyers want you to be able to make informed decisions regarding your case. Accordingly, we are providing you with the following general information regarding lead poisoning.

If you have any questions concerning the information below, or if you would like to discuss your situation, in confidence, with an experienced New York lead poisoning claims lawyer, then call us toll free at (866) 442-5323, e-mail us, or fill out our intake form.

Lead - An Overview

Lead was once used in many common household products. Many homes were painted with lead-based paint, lead plumbing was common, and lead was used as a gasoline additive before the health problems associated with lead exposure became known.

The widespread use of lead has caused many health problems. The U.S. government estimates that nearly one million children have excessive lead in their systems. Federal law requires landlords and sellers of residential property to disclose the presence of lead based paint on the property. Failure to do so may lead to liability for injuries caused by exposure to lead. When you are faced with issues related to lead exposure, you need the assistance of an experienced litigation attorney.

How Does Lead Exposure Happen?

Many older homes were painted with lead based paint. While many states banned the sale or use of lead based paint, the paint was not completely banned for sale in the United State until 1978. If surfaces painted with lead paint are not cleaned properly, or if the paint is disturbed (such as by sanding it), the lead dust will enter the air and be breathed in. Children will sometimes eat lead paint chips (the paint chips have a sweet taste), or put objects painted with lead based paint in their mouths.

What to Do When There is Lead in the Building

Buying a home is an exciting event. Finding out unpleasant facts about your new home can dampen that excitement. One of these unpleasant facts you may learn about in the presence of lead hazards, including lead based paint, on your property. Lead based paint, or lead plumbing, was used in many older homes built before 1978. Lead can be a serious health hazard for people of any age.

You do have legal options if you discover lead in your newly purchased home. An attorney with experience handling lead related issues will be able to explain these options to you.

Lead Poisoning: Even Small Quantities Can Cause Health Problems

Lead poisoning has been called "the silent disease" because its effects may occur gradually and imperceptibly, often showing no obvious symptoms. Very low blood lead levels have been associated with learning disabilities, growth impairments, permanent hearing and visual impairment, and other damage to the brain and nervous systems. In large doses, lead exposure can cause brain damage, convulsions, and even death. Lead exposure before or during pregnancy can also alter fetal development and cause miscarriages.

What You Should Know About Lead Based Pain In Your Home

Lead-based paint is a major source of lead poisoning in children. It can also affect adults. In children, lead poisoning may impair mental functioning and cause irreversible brain damage. It can also retard physical and mental development, and reduce one's attention span. When present at even extremely low levels, lead may affect fetal development. In adults, lead poisoning may cause poor muscle coordination, irritability, and nerve damage to the sense organs and nerves controlling the body. Lead poisoning may also cause reproductive problems and increase blood pressure.

Who Is Responsible for Lead in a Building?

Lead was used in many household and commercial products before the full extent of the dangers of the products became known. Many years have passed since lead was used on buildings. You may be able to recover damages from a seller who failed to disclose the presence of lead on the property, or from a contractor who failed to remove lead as he or she was hired to do. But it may not be possible to hold the person who originally brought lead into a building liable. An attorney with experience in lead-related issues can advise you as to whether you have a claim for lead-related injuries.

Lead Resource Links

Center for Disease Control (CDC)
Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.

Childhood Lead Poisoning (New York State Attorney General)
Information on the No. 1 environmental health threat to children in the U.S.

National Lead Information Center
Information about lead hazards and their prevention.