Lead Paint Poisening Attorney in New York, New York
Everything you need to know about lead paint poisoning in New York apartments.
Everything you need to know about lead paint poisoning in New York apartments.
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Lead poisoning has been a specialty for a lawyer who has also focused on fires and other matters for a long time. They are probably one of the first lawyers in New York City to begin bringing actions for children who have been poisoned by lead. Understanding the history of lead poisoning is essential to grasp why cases are brought and how they come about.
Before 1960, lead was a significant component of paint used on walls in houses and apartment buildings. It was favored because it is heavy and dries quickly, allowing it to last longer due to its quality and consistency. Painters and landlords used lead paint because it provided durability.
However, as time passed, the city of New York—like many others—became older, with apartments dating back to the early 1900s. Around the 1950s, it was determined that lead is toxic to the human body. This created a dichotomy between the beneficial properties of lead in paint and its harmful effects on health. As apartments and their plumbing aged, leaks began to occur from deteriorating pipes and brickwork. These leaks caused water to seep behind the paint, leading to peeling, which can often be seen in older buildings.
Children, who have a natural tendency to pick at things, may notice cracks or chips in the wall and begin to pick at them. Once they have something in their hands, they might put it in their mouths. If lead paint is present, this can lead to lead entering their bloodstream, where it can travel to the brain, inhibiting blood flow and brain function.
Over time, children began coming in with various issues, leading to investigations into their home environments. Doctors and nurses would question parents about their living conditions, which prompted studies that eventually linked lead exposure to the problems many children faced. In 1960, lead was banned from use in paint. However, many issues persist because landlords often do not remove old layers of paint when they repaint apartments. Instead, they cover old paint with new layers, making it possible for water damage to expose the underlying lead paint.
In New York City, many apartments still contain lead paint, and children are at risk of exposure if they are allowed to pick at peeling walls. When parents complain to landlords about water damage, they may not receive immediate attention, which can leave young children vulnerable to lead exposure. These children may eventually undergo blood lead testing, often indicated by the initials “PB,” as doctors now routinely test for lead in the bloodstream.
Historically, it was thought that lead could cause significant injury only at blood levels above 25 or 30. However, research has shown that lead can cause serious health issues even at lower levels, such as five, seven, or ten. The city of New York and its agencies have made efforts to eradicate lead, but the issue remains prevalent.
When a doctor discovers that a child has elevated lead levels, they are required by law to notify the health department, which then sends representatives to the child’s residence. These officials use specialized machines to test the walls for lead content, checking multiple surfaces throughout the apartment. If lead is found at levels exceeding legal limits, the health department issues a violation to the landlord, who must then remove the lead hazard by stripping the walls down to the sheetrock and applying new paint.
The lawyer has represented many children—around two to three hundred—who have been significantly harmed by lead poisoning. The lawyer notes that lead paint chips can have a sweet taste, resembling candy, which may attract young children. Despite parental warnings, children often return to the walls to pick at chips.
If there is peeling paint in a building built before 1960, landlords are legally obligated to investigate and address the presence of lead. The devastating effects of lead on children’s health necessitate this responsibility. Many children who have suffered from lead poisoning display symptoms like hyperactivity, which makes it difficult for them to concentrate in school. Reports from teachers frequently highlight issues with attention and fidgetiness in affected children.
In addition to residential settings, daycare centers often face similar problems with lead exposure. The lawyer has also handled cases involving childcare facilities where children were exposed to lead hazards, illustrating the widespread nature of the issue.
New York, NY personal injury attorney Robert Vilensky discusses everything you need to know about lead paint poisoning in New York apartments. Lead poisoning has been a specialty for a lawyer who has long focused on cases involving fires and various other legal matters. They are likely one of the first lawyers in New York City to initiate actions on behalf of children who have suffered from lead poisoning. Understanding the history of lead poisoning is essential for grasping why these cases arise and how they develop.
Before 1960, lead was a significant component of paint used on walls in homes and apartment buildings. It was favored for its heaviness and quick-drying properties, which contributed to its durability and quality. Painters and landlords utilized lead paint because of its long-lasting characteristics.
However, as New York City—like many other cities—aged, many apartments dated back to the early 1900s. By the 1950s, it was established that lead is toxic to the human body, creating a conflict between the beneficial properties of lead in paint and its harmful health effects. As apartments and their plumbing systems deteriorated, leaks began to occur due to aging pipes and brickwork. These leaks allowed water to seep behind the paint, resulting in peeling, a common sight in older buildings.
Children, naturally inclined to pick at things, might notice cracks or chips in the wall and begin to disturb them. If they obtain a piece of lead paint, it may end up in their mouths, allowing lead to enter their bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, lead can travel to the brain, impeding blood flow and brain function.
Over time, numerous children presented with various health issues, prompting investigations into their home environments. Medical professionals began asking parents about their living conditions, leading to studies that eventually connected lead exposure to the problems many children faced. In 1960, lead was banned from use in paint; however, many issues persisted because landlords frequently failed to remove old paint layers when repainting apartments. Instead, they covered the old paint with new layers, allowing water damage to expose the underlying lead paint.
In New York City, many apartments still contain lead paint, putting children at risk for exposure if they are allowed to pick at peeling walls. When parents complain to landlords about water damage, they may not receive prompt attention, leaving young children vulnerable to lead exposure. Eventually, these children may undergo blood lead testing, typically indicated by the initials “PB,” as doctors now routinely check for lead in the bloodstream.
Historically, it was believed that lead could cause significant harm only at blood levels above 25 or 30 micrograms per deciliter. However, research has indicated that lead can cause serious health problems even at lower levels, such as five, seven, or ten micrograms per deciliter. The city of New York and its agencies have made efforts to eliminate lead, but the issue persists.
When a doctor discovers that a child has elevated lead levels, they are legally required to notify the health department, which then sends representatives to the child’s residence. These officials employ specialized machines to test the walls for lead content, examining multiple surfaces throughout the apartment. If lead is detected at levels exceeding legal limits, the health department issues a violation to the landlord, who must then eliminate the lead hazard by stripping the walls down to the sheetrock and applying new paint.
The lawyer has represented numerous children—approximately two to three hundred—who have suffered significant harm due to lead poisoning. They note that lead paint chips can taste sweet, resembling candy, which may attract young children. Despite parental warnings, children often return to the walls to pick at chips.
If peeling paint is present in a building constructed before 1960, landlords are legally obligated to investigate and address the potential presence of lead. The devastating effects of lead on children’s health underscore this responsibility. Many children affected by lead poisoning exhibit symptoms such as hyperactivity, which can hinder their concentration in school. Teachers frequently report issues with attention and fidgetiness in these children.
In addition to residential settings, daycare centers often face similar challenges with lead exposure. The lawyer has also handled cases involving childcare facilities where children encountered lead hazards, illustrating the widespread nature of this issue.
