Chicago Lead Poisoning Attorney

Lead Paint Poisoning

The dangers of lead-based paint have been known for over a century. Although the effects of lead were originally thought to be temporary, scientists confirmed the long-term effects of lead poisoning as early as the 1940s. Evidence linked lead exposure to various behavioral disorders in children, who are particularly vulnerable to its effects.

However, partially due to the efforts of manufacturing companies and affiliated lobbyists, government regulations banning the use of heavily lead-based paints did not take effect until the late 1970s. The Lead Industry Association, for example, published papers falsely claiming that lead-based paint was safe for consumer usage. As a result, many older homes (i.e., homes built before 1980) still contain lead-based paints on surfaces both inside and outside the home.

Symptoms and effects of lead poisoning:

• Mental retardation
• Antisocial behavior
• ADD
• Brain swelling
• Organ damage and failure
• Coma
• Death

Children can be exposed to lead in lead-based paints through a variety of methods. Two common methods are through ingestion of paint chips or flakes and inhalation of lead paint dust, which is created when paint deteriorates.

If you or someone you love has suffered health problems as a result of lead paint exposure, contact the Chicago lead poisoning attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. today at 312-466-8200.