Maryland lead poisoning cases are down

According to a report released by the Maryland Department of the Environment, more children in the state are being tested for lead poisoning, and fewer are being found to have elevated blood lead levels. Lead poisoning in Maryland is one of the most significant and widespread environmental hazards for children.

>>INFORMATION: Maryland Lead Poisoning Press Release

The Maryland Department of the Environment released the annual statewide Childhood Lead Registry surveillance statistics earlier this week.  In 2006, the department tested 102,974 children under the age of 6, an increase from the 99,148 children in Maryland who were tested in 2005.  The percentage of Maryland children who were found to have elevated blood lead levels in 2006 fell to 1.2% (1,274) from 1.3% (1,331) the prior year. 

Once again, the highest risk of lead poisoning is in Baltimore City, where 4.6% of the children tested had an elevated blood lead level.  However, the overall number of children in Baltimore with lead poisoning was down (843 in 2006, compared to 853 in 2005).

LEAD PAINT POISONING CONTINUES TO POSE A DANGER

Lead based paint which is pealing off of the wall in many deteriorating rental homes continues to be a leading cause of increased levels of the hazard in blood streams of children in Maryland.  If a child eats or sucks on lead paint chips which have fallen offer of the wall, they could suffer serious injuries, including:

• Brain Injury
• Damage to the Nervous System
• Seizures or Convulsions
• Decreased Growth Rate
• Mental Retardation
• Coma
• Death

Lead paint was banned nationwide in 1978, but there are still many rental homes which are not properly maintained and have the toxic paint pealing off of walls.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 95% of homes built before 1950 are likely to contain lead paint and 75% of homes built between 1950 and 1979 are likely to contain the toxic paint.

Shari T. Wilson, Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment, pointed out that “continued progress depends on property owners returning registration renewals in time and performing required risk reduction treatments before new tenants move in.  Owners of rental properties built before 1950 who have not yet registered or performed required risk reduction treatments to their properties must come into compliance.”

MARYLAND LEAD POISONING LAWYERS

The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. investigate Maryland lead poisoning lawsuits for children who have been diagnosed with elevated blood lead levels.  If your child or a family member has suffered lead poisoning from pealing paint at a rental property, compensation may be available.  Request a free consultation.