Lead is a very toxic substance that can cause serious injuries such as kidney and brain damage. Young children are especially at risk. Exposure to lead-based paint is the most common cause of lead poisoning. If you are living in a residence built in the late 1970s or earlier, lead paint may have been used and you or your loved ones could be at risk. Even though the U.S. government banned the sale of lead based paint in 1978, millions of buildings still contain lead paint.

If you have children and you live in an older home, it is a good idea to have their blood check for lead. Damage from lead poisoning is permanent, but the condition is treatable before damage is done. Children are the most at risk because their brain and central nervous system is still developing. Injuries from lead exposure can include stunted growth, kidney damage, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and death.

Many consumer products still contain unsafe levels of lead paint. Recently it has been discovered that some popular toys manufactured outside of the United States, but sold in the U.S., contain unsafe lead levels. Over the past year, Illinois parents have spent a significant amount of time trying to determine which toys have been recalled for lead issues.

If your child has had positive tests for elevated lead levels, contact our office immediately for a consultation at no charge.