The dangers of lead paint have been well documented. We know that it is not safe for either children or adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children have no safe blood lead levels. Childhood lead exposure must be prevented before any harm occurs. The CDC refers to two forms of prevention: primary prevention, or removing lead hazards from the environment before a child can be exposed. And secondary prevention, such as blood lead testing and follow-up.
Blood Test Data for Lead Poisoning
The National Surveillance Data from the CDC, which shows state-level blood lead test data summarized by state, year, and blood lead level (BLL) group, found that Oklahoma had a total population of 318,998 children under 72 months of age in 2017. But only 52,454 of that group of children, or 16.4 percent, were tested for lead poisoning. There were 538 children with confirmed BLLs of 5 µg/dL or greater (1.0 percent) and 141 with confirmed BLLs of 10 µg/dL or greater (0.3 percent). There were 397 children with BLLs between 5-9 µg/dL. 85 children with BLLs between 10-14 µg/dL. 19 children with BLLs between 15-19 µg/dL. 16 children with BLLs between 20-24 µg/dL and 19 with BLLs between 25-44 µg/dL.
The 102nd Congress enacted the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992. It is better known as Title X. It requires sellers of homes and landlords to disclose any known information concerning lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards. Sellers and landlords must also provide any records and reports on lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards available to them.
If you own a property built before 1978, lead-based paint is likely underneath your surface layer. You can hire an inspector or risk assessor to evaluate the costs of a renovation project. You must keep lead dust levels in mind if you plan to perform this work yourself.
Contact a New York Lead Paint Attorney
When you have been exposed to lead paint because of another party’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation through several different kinds of legal actions. You will want to work with an attorney to help determine the best possible avenue for you. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP at (212) 779-0057 to discuss your rights and legal options today.