Many people are now aware of the dangers of lead paint, pipes, and other construction materials. Lead is dangerous for adults, causing things like nausea, fatigue, and anemia. However, lead is much more detrimental to a developing mind. Thus, children are very sensitive to the adverse affects of lead. Lead can greatly impair child development, so you should be aware of the signs of lead poisoning so that you can protect your precious child.

The problem with lead is that your body (and that of your child) is unable to distinguish lead from other beneficial minerals like calcium, zinc, and iron. Therefore, the body can store it with these other minerals. For instance, lead can build up in the bones with the calcium, or it can travel to the brain and build up there. When the brain and bones are still developing, the poisonous lead can interfere with their processes so that your child has permanent disabilities.

Children most often pick up lead from degrading paint. Before 1978, paint could have small amounts of lead and even, before 1972, the amount of lead was not regulated. Thus, if buildings were painted with lead-based paint, it can chip away over time. The lead paint can be turned into a dust that your child may inhale or ingest. Because the dust typically settles on the ground, a crawling child is much closer to the toxic lead. Additionally, children can get the dust on their hands or toys, then place these objects in their mouths.

If your child has been exposed to lead, you may notice signs such as:

Lethargy

Changes in mood

Loss of appetite

Difficulty concentrating

Abdominal pains

Over time, continuous exposure can lead to more severe problems that could be permanent. As lead builds up in the brain, it can cause damage that interferes with the areas of the brain that are responsible for important developmental steps. A child who has been exposed to lead over a long period of time may show problems including:

Lowered intelligence level

Hearing deficiencies

Hyperactivity and other behavioral issues

Difficulty with learning

Language and speech impairment

Because of the dangers of lead, it is not allowed in any consumer products. However, some toy companies use it as a cheap additive to children's toys. This is dangerous and can put your baby at risk of very serious, and sometimes irreversible, problems. If your precious son or daughter has been exposed to lead, you should not let the toy manufacturer escape unpunished for this grievous error. To help you fight for your rights, please visit the website of the product liability lawyers from Spiros & Wall, P.C., today.

Author SIG

James Witherspoon

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