Chicago Lead Exposure

Lead is a soft metal that has been used throughout human history for a variety of goods from toys, to pipes, to paint. However, in the mid-1900s, studies began to show the harmful effects lead has on human development. In 1972, after it became clear how dangerous lead exposure can be, Congress banned the use of lead in gasoline. In 1978 Congress banned the use of lead in paint in residences across the country. 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. There is no safe level of lead for young children.

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. We are proud to have obtained more than $100 million in financial compensation for lead poisoned children. If your child was exposed to lead at a young age, he or she may be entitled to compensation. To contact us, give us a call, fill out the form on this website or have a "live chat" now with one of our representatives.