The facts of lead poisoning are fairly common knowledge. Scientists associated symptoms and illnesses with lead exposure over 300 years ago. Still, its applications are frequent and varied. Despite the well-defined impacts of using lead in paint, and its ban in homes, schools, and hospitals since 1970, the problems of its existence continue into the 21 st Century.

Paint that includes lead as an ingredient is valued for its mildew resistance and anti-corrosive properties. In a manufacturing setting, leaded paint is easier to apply and dries faster than paint without lead. Aesthetically, lead in paint provides brighter, less transparent colors than other additives. Lead adds a flexible quality to paint that contributes to durability. Finally, the addition of lead to paint is significantly less expensive than any of the available alternatives.

Because lead has a sweet flavor, children have a tendency to put the paint chips into their mouths and to chew on painted objects such as toys, windowsills, and furniture. Since the body does not naturally excrete heavy metals, the ingested lead builds up, eventually reaching toxic levels. In a child’s growing body, the tissues, muscles, and organs are more vulnerable to the effects of lead poisoning than they would be in an adult.

Even without symptoms or known exposure, babies and young children up to the age of six should be tested every year for lead levels in their blood. If the child is without insurance coverage that pays for the test, most counties will do it free of charge. This regular testing can catch lead issues even before symptoms develop and, therefore, prevent the possibility of permanent damage.

If a child tests positive for blood levels of lead that are high enough to be a cause for concern, the doctor will request that the housing authority conduct a study of the home environment for contributing factors. If leaded paint is found, Federal regulations require the landlord to remove or encapsulate the old paint and replace it with new paint that does not contain lead. Additionally, a child who has high levels of lead in his/her system may be given medication that will cause the lead to be removed and excreted through the urine.

A child who has suffered lead intoxication from paint or any other source may go on to suffer with learning disabilities and behavior problems as well as other health issues. An attorney or a county health department can assist with making sure that the child’s rights are protected and that all appropriate educational services are made available. If the child needs to be moved to a different environment in order to avoid future lead exposure, some counties offer assistance to facilitate either temporary or permanent relocation.