Lead poisoning is a serious concern for children and adults. In young children under the age of six, lead exposure can lead to developmental delays and other problems. In adults, it can also lead to complications and health concerns. In most cases, lead poisoning happens gradually over time, but even small amounts of lead can cause serious health concerns.
Each year in Florida, children and adults in Miami, Hollywood, and other cities are exposed to potentially harmful levels of lead. In children, this can lead to headaches, behavioral problems, learning problems, hearing difficulties, brain damage, slowed growth, damage to the nervous system, and other issues.
In adults, lead exposure can lead to fertility and reproductive problems (including pregnancy complications), nerve disorders, high blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulty with concentration and memory, and digestive problems.
What Causes Lead Poisoning?
A key cause of lead exposure is lead paint and pipes, which were used in Florida and across the country before the 1970s. In older homes, lead pipes and older layers of paint may be exposed during renovations, and it’s important that adequate precautions are taken during home repairs to prevent exposure.
In addition to lead paint, common sources of lead exposure include:
- Some children’s toys
- Some costume jewelry
- Batteries
- Renovations
- Products in auto repair shops
- Contaminated water, soil, or air
To protect yourself and your family, only buy newer toys and costume jewelry clearly labelled as “lead free.” If you have an older home and need renovations, look for contractors able to provide all precautions against lead paint exposure and other hazards. If you’re an adult working in an auto repair shop, in construction, or with batteries, make sure you get safety training to learn how to lower your risk.
What to do if You’re Affected by Lead Poisoning
If you or someone you love may have been exposed to lead or has symptoms of lead poisoning, seek medical help immediately. A doctor can review your medical history and can order medical tests to determine the level of lead in your blood. If a doctor finds you have suffered lead poisoning, you may undergo chelation therapy or other forms of treatment. If you have symptoms or complications due to the conditions, those symptoms may also be treated. For example, if lead exposure has led to hypertension, you may need to treat high blood pressure as well as the underlying lead poisoning.
You may also want to contact a personal injury attorney in Hollywood or your community if you have been exposed to lead. Stopping those responsible for lead poisoning can help protect others from the same hazard. Pursuing compensation also ensures you can pay for medical treatment and the support you need during recovery.
If you’d like to speak to an attorney after suffering lead poisoning or any personal injury, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Flaxman Law Group is proud to be a full-service law firm serving the entire South Florida community. From our offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood, we are always happy to reach out to people who have been injured, offering legal advice and representation.