In an extremely developed and urban area such as New York City, the risk of lead poisoning is typically higher than in other areas of the country where the urban landscape is less dense.
As an experienced personal injury attorney in Brooklyn, I have helped many clients who have suffered through the negative effects of lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning occurs when you collect dangerous levels of lead in your cardiovascular system. The affliction commonly occurs after the accidental inhalation or ingestion of items containing lead (paint, batteries, gasoline fumes, etc.). The metal is easily absorbed and can cause severe damage to the nervous system.
It’s likely that you have heard of the dangers of lead poisoning, especially when concerning children and their toys. Do you, however, know how to identify lead poisoning? Or how to reduce the risks of contracting it?
If you believe you may have lead poisoning, here are some signs and symptoms to take note of:
- Abdominal pain, vomiting, or constipation
- Headaches
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Pale skin, fatigue, or muscle weakness,
- Slow or delayed growth in children
- Personality changes, mood swings, and trouble sleeping
- Seizures or a coma
If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms, and feel you may have experienced an unhealthy intake of lead, be sure to contact a medical professional right away. They will test your blood for signs of lead poisoning, as well as take an abdominal x-ray to possibly show where the lead is (if it was swallowed).
Left untreated, lead poisoning can cause long-term mental and physical problems, even becoming fatal. Severe lead poisoning can lead to seizures or a coma.
To protect yourself, your loved ones, and your coworkers, please inform them that refraining from these actions could decrease the likelihood of lead poisoning:
- Ingesting lead-based paint from items such as toys and furniture (problem focused mainly with children)
- Participating in a hobby that uses lead, such as pottery, stained glass making, or iron crafts
- Living in an old house or apartment building with lead-based paint or pipes
- Working with or near lead, such as in a mine, sewer, or printing press
If you or a loved one has become sick due to lead poisoning, there’s a good chance it was at no fault of your own. Many old buildings in New York contain lead, and there are products whose manufacturers do not properly warn of lead’s presence.
Contact an experienced New York personal injury today if you or someone you care
about has fallen victim to lead poisoning.