BALTIMORE LEAD POISONING PREVENTION (BLPP) TIPS AND SECRETS

The national law firm of Charles Jerome Ware, P.A., Attorneys and Counsellors, is one of Maryland's premier lead paint defense firms.

Along with its expertise in lead paint defense work, the firm is very highly regarded in the areas of criminal defense and civil litigation, medical malpractice and wrongful death, personal injury and transactional legal matters.

Attorney Charles Jerome Ware is renowned and consistently ranked among the best attorneys and legal counsellors in the United States. [GQ Magazine, The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun, The Columbia Flier, USA TODAY, The Howard County Sun, The Anniston Star, The New York Times, et al.]

The national law firm of Charles Jerome Ware, P.A., Attorneys and Counsellors is: "Still working. Still committed. Still here to make a difference."

Lead paint lawsuits by tenants against landlords have increased during the past few years as the public has become more aware of the dangers created by lead paint.

Lawyers who represent injured children or residential landlords should investigate the facts to determine the identity of potentially liable defendants, the cause or causes of the injury, the potential defenses to the claim, which experts to utilize, and the different types of damages available in the case.

Baltimore Lead Poisoning Prevention (BLPP) Tips and Secrets

1. The Baltimore City Health Department seeks to reduce lead poisoning in the City of Baltimore through primary prevention and aggressive enforcement of the city's lead laws. Lead poisoning has decreased significantly since 2000.
2. What is Lead?
   Lead is a poisonous metal that was used in building construction and in the making of other household paints prior to 1978. Even though its use was banned, lead still remains a hazard in many places. When something with lead in it starts to deteriorate, it becomes dust, which is poisonous if you breathe it or eat it.

3. Where is Lead Found?

   Lead can be found on painted surfaces inside and outside the home. Lead is usually found in:
• Window sills
• Window frames
• Door Frames
• Door jambs
• Railings
• Steps
• Soil

4. Lead Can Also Be Found In:

   • Jewelry
   • Toys
   • Batteries
   • Crystal
   • Ceramics (pottery)
   • Cosmetics
    
5. Who is Most at Risk?
   
   • Children (1-6 years of age)
   • Pregnant women
   • Unborn Fetuses
    
6. What are Symptoms of Lead Poisoning?
   
   • Fatigue
   • Weight loss
   • Abdominal Cramps
   • Muscle Weakness
   • Headaches
   • Loss of appetite
    
7. What Do I Do if I am Concerned My Child has Been Exposed to Lead?
   
   • The best thing to do is to call your pediatrician and ask them to perform a lead test.
   • If you don’t have a pediatrician, call the Baltimore Health Care Access hotline to get assistance with insurance and other community health resources.
     • Phone: 410-649-0500
     • Spanish and English speaking
   • There are some locations that offer reduced cost lead testing:
     • Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Care-A-Van
     • Phone: 410-550-5818 for general information
     • Phone: 410-913-5126 to make an appointment at one of the mobile sites.
     • Spanish and English Speaking
   • Baltimore Medical Systems
   • You can find a list of their health centers by clicking here.
   • Spanish and English speaking
    
8. The Effects of Lead Poisoning:
   
   Lead poisoning can cause:
   • Learning Disabilities
   • Severe Brain Damage
   • Memory Loss
   • Hearing Impairment
   • Stunted Growth
   • Hyperactivity
   • Hypertension
   • Kidney Damage
   • Seizures
   • Coma/Death
    
9. Preventing Lead Poisoning:
   
   Lead poisoning can be prevented and controlled by:
   • Blood testing children 1-6
   • Getting your home visually inspected and dust tested
   • Keeping your home free of chipping and peeling paint
   • Keeping your home free of dust
   • Frequently washing your hands
   • Washing toys and pacifiers that children often put in their mouth
   • Practicing good nutrition
   • Using a HEPA vacuum 
    
10. Other Lead Facts ... What you should know about lead poisoning.
    
    • Lead Paint was banned in U.S. residential paint in 1978.
      (It was banned in France and many other countries prior to 1920.)
    • Three-quarters of the nation's housing contains lead paint.
    • Lead poisoning is a serious disease.
    • Children under six are most at risk.
    • Children from every region, race, and socioeconomic level are at risk
    • Lead poisoning causes learning and developmental disabilities.
    • There are usually no symptoms.
    • Even children who appear healthy can have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
    • Lead poisoning is preventable.
    • Most lead poisoning happens at home.
    • The primary cause is tiny particles of lead dust from deteriorated paint or from painted surfaces disturbed during remodeling, repair or renovation.
    • Lead dust is invisible, so tiny in fact that it passes through most masks & filters.
    • Lead poisoning affects adults as well as kids.
      
      [Sources: Environmental Protection Agency, U. S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, Centers for Disease Control, National Conference of State Legislators, Alliance to End Childhood Lead Poisoning]  
     
11. Regulations
    
    • 10/20/10. Lead Hazard Abatement Regulations 2009 (pdf) 
     
12. More Information
    
    • Healthy Homes 2009 Transition Report -- Resource for lead poisoning prevention programs transitioning to a Healthy Homes model
    • Maryland Department of the Environment Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention General Health Information
    • Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
    • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Lead Awareness Program
    • National Lead Information Center
    • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control