www.charlesjeromeware.com " Here to make a Difference."
Charles Jerome Ware, LLC is a premier, Maryland-based, nationally-recognized and respected landlord lead paint poisoning defense law firm. For an initial courtesy consultation, contact us at (410) 720-6129. We can help you when you are being sued for lead poisoning.
Prevention of toxic lead exposure, particularly to children under the age of 6, is critical in the promotion of lifelong good health in the Baltimore metropolitan area. Though toxic lead has many sources in Baltimore, including (1) the air we breathe, (2) the water we drink, (3) dust, (4) soil, (5) playgrounds, (6) pipes and (7) other plumbing fixtures, (8) job and industrial sites, (9) home and folk remedies, etc., the target source in Baltimore is the pre 1978-built residential unit. The effects of lead poisoning essentially cannot be corrected. There are many ways, however, that a child's exposure to toxic lead can be reduced in Baltimore.
When it comes to the issue of toxic lead paint, it is important to note that "uninterrupted" lead paint is not considered harmful to the body. It is when lead paint is ingested or inhaled that it can become harmful to the body. Humans (and particularly children) can eat, chew, ingest or inhale lead paint when it is chipped, peeled, scraped, in dust form, in the air we breathe, etc. Since was banned for residential use by the Federal government in 1978, it is the apartment or home constructed before 1978 that is of primary concern.
In Baltimore :
- Assume that residential units built before 1978 contain at least some "legacy" (old) lead paint somewhere, unless the unit has been certified "lead free" by a lead-certified/accredited/licensed inspector approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). By Maryland law, only use MDE-lead certified contractors for any renovation or home improvement work.
- Be aware that children under the age of 6 years old are at risk of lead poisoning because they are growing so rapidly and because they have a tendency to put their hands or other objects in their mouths, which may be contaminated with lead dust.
- Children living at or below the poverty line who live in older (pre 1978-built) housing are at greater risk of lead poisoning ("plumbism").
- Talk to your state or local health department about testing paint and dust in the residential unit.
- Make sure children do not have access to peeling or chipped paint, or chewable surfaces painted with lead-based paint.
- Create barriers between living/play areas and lead (Pb) sources.
- Children in these residential units should regularly wash their hands and toys.
- Floors in these homes should be regularly wet-mopped and window sills (and components) should be wet-wiped.
- Children should be dissuaded from playing in bare (no grass) soil. I f possible, provide them with sandboxes.
- Avoid using traditional folk remedies; many of them contain leaded ingredients.
- Be very careful of toys and furniture from China,etc. (other countries).
- Avoid eating candies from Mexico [ www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips].
- Avoid using cooking utensils, containers, drinking vessel, etc., that are proven to be lead-free.
- Take necessary precautions with drinking water; etc.
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