The lead poisoning law firm of Levy Konigsberg LLP is helping the people of Toledo, Ohio fight against childhood lead poisoning. According to the Ohio Department of Health, an estimated 19,000 children in the state are suffering from lead poisoning, with nearly half in its six largest counties, including Lucas County. The Department of Health defines lead poisoning as a confirmed blood-lead level of five micrograms per deciliter (5 mcg/dL) or greater. Childhood lead poisoning causes irreversible damage to a child’s cognitive development. Even a low blood-lead level has been shown to cause permanent cognitive and behavioral problems. That is why it is so important to prevent lead exposure in the first place.

Children in Toledo are most often exposed to lead from chipping, peeling, or deteriorating lead-based paint. Lead-based paint was banned for residential use throughout the United States in 1978. However, many houses built before then still contain lead-based paint under layers of newer paint. When those newer layers chip or peel, they take the older, leaded levels with them and fall to the floor where young children play. In addition, friction surfaces, such as window frames and door jambs, can create lead-based paint dust which spreads around the house. The dust and chips are often ingested by young children, causing lead poisoning.

The City of Toledo has passed Ordinance 226-16 putting in place a more proactive lead poisoning prevention strategy. Ordinance 226-16 requires that landlords of certain properties built before the national lead-paint ban certify a home to be “Lead-Safe” before renting to a family. A Lead-Safe Certificate is only issued after a visual inspection is done of the premises to ensure there is no defective or peeling paint, and a dust wipe sample is taken to ensure there is no lead-based paint dust. The certificate is valid for three years, and the premises must be re-inspected for the certificate to be reissued.

However, a landlord is still ultimately responsible for the safety of his or her rental units. If a child living in a rented apartment tests positive for an elevated blood-lead level, the landlord must immediately take steps to remediate the lead hazard in the housing unit, and may be liable for any harm that comes to the child. If you notice chipping or peeling paint in your rented home, it is important to tell your landlord as soon as possible, and get your child tested for lead poisoning. If your child has any detectable blood-lead level, follow-up tests may be necessary to ensure he or she is no longer being harmed. You can also contact your local department of health and request a lead inspection of your home.

Finally, if your child has been lead poisoned, an experienced lead poisoning attorney can help her get the compensation she needs and deserves to overcome the permanent and devastating harm caused by lead. The lead poisoning attorneys at Levy Konigsberg LLP have decades of experience and won over $100 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of lead poisoned children. Contact the lead poisoning law firm for a free consultation today.