St. Louis Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic element, naturally occurring in the earth's surface. Over the course of history, lead has been used in very common products, like paint, gasoline, and water pipes. After scientists realized how dangerous lead is to the human brain and body, laws were passed to try and prevent the use of lead. In 1972 Congress banned the use of lead in gasoline. In 1978 Congress banned the use of lead in paint. In 1986 Congress required plumbers to use lead free materials in any plumbing that involved drinking water. As a result, children that live in housing constructed after 1978, and most certainly after 1986 are far less likely to be exposed to lead.

Unfortunately, however, children that live in homes constructed before 1978 remain at risk. Any home that contains lead-based paint is a hazard for children, unless the dwelling is remediated pursuant to standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). Some landlords/homeowners believe that simply painting over an old coat of lead-based paint with new paint remedies any risks. But that school of thought is 100% false. When paint chips, flakes or peels off of a wall, each layer adheres to the newer layer so paint dust and chips necessarily contain lead. Friction surfaces, like door jambs and window frames often create tiny lead fragments as well, which mix with regular household dust that accumulates in areas where children tend to play, and can easily be ingested.

Because older homes are far more likely to contain lead hazards for children, the socioeconomic realities of America's cities and towns make low income children more likely to be lead poisoned as government housing tends to be predominant in urban areas that have very old housing.

Our lawyers have decades of experience handling lead poisoning cases for the smallest among us. If your child was exposed to lead at a young age, he/she may be entitled to compensation.

If your child has tested positive for lead poisoning, contact our experienced lead poisoning lawyers today. Just fill out the website form on this page or call 1-866-988-8005.