Lead Paint Linked to Developmental Delays

Lead paint has long been linked with developmental delays. A suspected carcinogen that’s toxic to the brain, nervous system and other organs, the use of lead in paint has long been outlawed. Unfortunately, though, the paint remains present in many older homes. It can also be found in aging water pipes, soil, and window frames. Too often, lead disproportionately impacts poor families who can’t afford to have the substance removed from their homes.

Lead Exposure During Pregnancy

There is no safe level of lead exposure. When pregnant women are exposed, their babies are put at risk. Prenatal screening isn’t mandatory, but lead exposure can cause miscarriage and impaired neurodevelopment. The extent of the damage isn’t often realized until the child fails to meet developmental delays.

In the long term, children exposed to lead may suffer academically and be more likely to commit crimes. Many families may never even suspect their children have been exposed to the invisible and highly dangerous chemical. Lead poisoning testing isn’t standardized, and a lack of public knowledge about the risks lead many to overlook the possibility of exposure altogether.

Why Lead Poisoning Persists

Though the use of lead paint was outlawed in the 1970s, it continues to be found in many older homes. Until regulations become more stringent, though, experts say it will continue to be a problem.

“It’s incredible that in 2020 we still use children as canaries in mines to find lead in homes,” Colleen McCauley recently told the Guardian. She’s the health policy director at Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), a non-profit that advocates for better testing and data collection of lead paint poisoning and exposure.

“It’s hard to sell primary prevention [to elected officials] because it costs money to find the lead and then more money to remove the hazards. This is an utterly shortsighted perspective, however, because caring for children after they are poisoned is much more expensive.”

Richard Serpe: An Experienced Lead Poisoning Attorney

When someone is a victim of lead poisoning, the effects can be long-lasting, particularly in children. Child victims often suffer developmental disabilities that can make adjusting to a normal life practically impossible.

Through no fault of their own, the victims of lead poisoning are experiencing pain and suffering, extensive medical bills, and a life that will never be the same. Those responsible for this are playing pass the buck. The manufacturers dispute the science,  or the landlords blame the maintenance company, or the attorneys and insurers offer settlements that are a fraction of what is fair or reasonable.

Over the years, Richard Serpe has gained a reputation as being a fierce advocate for the rights of those who have suffered from the careless pollution of their environments. He made history in Virginia when he received a $2,000,000 verdict, which is the largest verdict in the state for a victim of lead poisoning. He has successfully argued for his clients before state and federal courts and has dedicated his career to helping the victims of environmental poisoning receive fair and just treatment.

If your children have suffered from lead poisoning, and you feel that your needs and concerns are not being taken seriously, contact our Virginia child lead poisoning lawyers for a free legal consultation today.