What Should You Do If You Inhale Lead?
According to the California Department of Public Health, lead poisoning as a result of lead found in residential homes, plumbing, food, water, and certain occupations is one of the most common environmental illnesses in California. Lead-based products, such as lead-based paint and makeup, used to be popular prior to the knowledge of its detrimental effects to the human body. Once common in the past, lead-based paint has now been banned in the United States since 1978, but traces of it are still present in older homes, furniture, woodwork, and toys.
Lead poisoning in homes
In residential homes, lead poisoning may occur as a result of lead-based paint, contaminated air, contaminated soil, batteries, and more. Lead pipe, cans, and food containers may also contain lead and result in contaminated water and food. In addition, young children, people living in older homes, and people working in certain occupations have a higher risk of lead poisoning. Because children often crawl on the ground, they may eat lead dust and other lead-contaminated objects off the floor. Certain hobbies and occupations, such as home renovators, may work in close contact with lead or lead-based products that leave them more vulnerable to lead poisoning. It’s a good idea to conduct research, especially if you are unsure of whether or not your home has sources of lead, due to the health concerns associated with potential exposure.
Symptoms of lead poisoning
One of the dangers of lead poisoning is that it may be hard to detect until a dangerous amount of lead has already built up inside the body, and even children and adults who appear to be healthy may have lead poisoning. The symptoms that each person experiences may vary depending on their condition and amount of lead inside their body.
In children, lead poisoning may lead to:
Hyperactivity
Learning Complications
Headaches
Vomiting
Growth Delay
Brain Development
Death
In adults, lead poisoning may lead to:
Damage in the Nervous System
Seizures
Hypertension
Kidney Complications
Reproductive Complications
Death
There are many types of symptoms that could be associated with lead poisoning, so consult your doctor if you are concerned at all for your wellbeing.
What steps should you take if you believe you have been exposed to lead?
Contact your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider should be notified immediately if you are exhibiting symptoms of lead poisoning or have been exposed to sources of lead. They can use a blood test to determine if there is lead in your system.
Note symptoms, behavior changes, and sources of lead.
You can note down any symptoms, behavior changes, and potential sources of lead. For example, if you live in an older home, hold an occupation that exposes you to lead, or have other hobbies that work in close contact to lead, you should let your healthcare provider know.
Contacting officials.
If you have questions regarding lead-related issues, you can contact the County of Los Angeles Public Health’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 1-800-LA-4-LEAD. If you are living in a rental property built prior to 1978 that has peeling or chipping paint and the landlord is not repairing the damage, you can contact the Environmental Health Call Center.
Upon discovery of lead-based paint in your home, do not attempt removal of the lead paint by yourself as this will increase the lead dust and your exposure to lead. Simply painting over the lead paint is insufficient. You can contact the California Department of Public Health to find certified abatement companies to resolve this issue.
If you are a tenant with permission from the landlord or the homeowner, you may apply for the Los Angeles Housing Department’s Lead Hazard Remediation Program and be eligible for a grant to make your home lead-safe.
Seeking legal assistance for lead poisoning
Lead poisoning is a serious health concern that should not be taken lightly, so it is important to know your rights as a tenant. To find more information regarding lead poisoning and other tenant law related issues, refer to the Tenants of LA. Tenants Law Firm is here to help. If you are in need of legal assistance, contact our experienced attorneys at Tenants Law Firm by calling (310) 432 - 3200 or by using this contact form.