As one of the oldest known hazards in the work and home environments, lead is a heavy metal that, when accumulated in the body, causes serious damage to the:
- Bones
- Brain
- Central nervous system (CNS)—This type of damage makes lead especially toxic to children, as lCNS damage can cause irreversible learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.
- Heart
- Intestines
- Kidneys
- Reproductive system
Lead poisoning may also be referred to as:
- Colica pictonium
- Devon colic
- Painter’s colic
- Plumbism
- Saturnism
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning symptoms differ according to the severity of the condition (i.e. the amount of lead concentrated in the blood), as well as the age and medical history of the individual. In adults, lead poisoning symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Lowered sperm counts
- Memory loss
- Miscarriage or premature delivery
- Mood disorders
- Weakness of the muscles
In children, lead poisoning symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia
- Constipation
- Irritability
- Learning disabilities
- Loss of appetite
- Sluggishness
- Paleness
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
In newborns, lead poisoning symptoms may include impaired mental and physical development.
Where Does Lead Exposure Occur?
People can develop lead poisoning when they come into contact with any substance that contains or is made from lead. Anything from air, soil and water to food and consumer products has been known to contain lead and cause life-threatening cases of lead poisoning. When it comes to consumer products, nearly anything can contain lead, and some of the more recently identified (and recalled) lead products have been reported to include:
- Bedding
- Bullets
- Cans used for foods
- Ceramic glazes
- Children’s toys
- Cosmetics
- Fishing lures
- Folk remedies, such as azarcon and greta
- Furniture and figurines
- Magnets
- Jewelry and sunglasses
- Paint (particularly in older homes)
- Vinyl mini blinds (particularly in older homes)
Lead Poisoning Lawsuits
Manufacturing companies have a responsibility to American consumers. If their products contain an unsafe amount of lead that results in injuries to you or a loved one, they should be held accountable. For information about how to seek compensation for your losses, contact Gacovino, Lake and Associates today.
