Lead based paint was made illegal in 1978, but houses built prior to that may have a high likelihood of having lead based paint, depending on the decade in which they were built. Even a small amount of this paint such as a few chips can contain lead.

A Landlord's Responsibility

Even if a house has been completely stripped of old paint, it can still have traces around the house and in the dirt on the outside of the house. This can be a serious issue if children live in the home and play in the yard near the house.

It is also important to realize that the old paint may have just been painted over and may reappear after a layer is scratched or pulled back. It is very, very difficult to completely rid a home of old paint. So if a home was built before 1978, it is the landlord's responsibility to notify the tenants of the potential danger that exist. If a landlord fails to notify a tenant of the danger, he or she can be held liable for any physical harm that happens to the tenants staying in the home he or she owns.

Effects of Lead

There are a number of things that can result from exposure to this paint. Some injuries include:

• Development issues: Children are by far in the greatest danger of being hurt by this paint. It can hinder brain and organ development
• Birth defects
• Headaches
• Neurological disorders
• Muscle pain

While an older home can prove to be cheaper or more charming, the possible existence of toxic paint should always be taken into account.

Author SIG

James Witherspoon

To find out more about lead paint poisoning, visit the website of the Sheboygan personal injury lawyers of Habush Habush & Rottier, S.C. today

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