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Lead Poisoning in Children

Lead Poisoning in Children

How can a child get lead poisoning? Learn about how kids can get exposed to dangerous amounts of lead.

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Case Overview

Children can get lead poisoning from exposure to lead paint in older homes or buildings and contaminated soil and consumer products. While there are some treatments and testing for lead poisoning, even small amounts in children can cause lasting brain and body damage.

If you believe your child has experienced lead poisoning, consult a healthcare provider immediately and ask for testing. You may be able to pursue legal action if your child tests positive for lead poisoning because of a contaminated product.

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Key takeaways about lead poisoning in children

  • Any amount of lead exposure can be unsafe.
  • A pending lawsuit may offer relief for families whose children have experienced exposure to lead through various products, including baby foods. 
  • If you suspect a product has lead contamination, report the product and have your child tested for lead poisoning.

What is lead poisoning

Lead poisoning happens when a person breathes in or consumes lead, and it is absorbed into the body. Serious health issues can develop from lead exposure. This includes brain damage, kidney and nervous system damage and death. Even a small amount of lead poisoning is dangerous and children are especially susceptible.

Some researchers estimate that 170 million Americans alive today were exposed to high levels of lead during childhood. Even small amounts of lead exposure can result in permanent damage to health and IQ in children, so prevention is key.

How can lead poisoning harm children?

Lead poisoning in childhood can impact someone for the rest of their life. They may experience brain damage, physical and mental developmental impairments or negative behavioral changes that stay with them into adulthood. They may also experience difficult symptoms, such as stomach pain, fatigue, seizures or vomiting. 

The health outcomes of lead poisoning can be dramatic especially for people who have higher levels of lead in their blood. When children experience lead poisoning, impacts on their development can be long-term or life-threatening. Developmental impacts can include slowed growth, brain damage, behavioral concerns and hearing or speech problems. 

Adults who have low amounts of lead poisoning may not show symptoms, but small amounts of lead can be harmful to children. 

Symptoms of lead poisoning in kids

The effects of lead poisoning can be painful for kids, but unless you know the signs and symptoms, you may not realize your child is dealing with toxic exposure. It’s important to know the symptoms of lead poisoning so you can seek proper testing and treatment right away. 

Signs of lead poisoning in kids may include

  • Abdominal pain
  • Constipation
  • Developmental delays
  • Fatigue 
  • Hearing loss
  • Irritability
  • Learning challenges
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Seizures
  • Pica (eating non-food items)
  • Vomiting 
  • Weight loss

Lead poisoning symptoms in children should be taken seriously. Talk to your healthcare provider if your child is showing symptoms. 

How are children exposed to lead?

The most common way kids get lead poisoning is through ingesting, licking or breathing in small chips of lead paint or dust. The United States banned lead paint in the 1970s, but older homes and buildings may still have lead paint in them. Lead poisoning is also possible from contaminated soil, old toys, food spices and imported candy.

Even though the U.S. banned lead paint in the 1970s, it may still be present in children’s toys today. Since 1990, 59% of recalled children’s products were made with lead paint. 

Lead pipes in older homes can also contribute to contaminated drinking water and cause lead poisoning. Potentially defective consumer products like toys can contain lead, as can cosmetics and jewelry. 

Children are more prone to lead poisoning because they use “hand-to-mouth behavior.” They naturally touch many objects and then put their hands in their mouths. In an older home with lead paint, it’s possible for children to ingest lead if they touch contaminated dust or dirt. They may also play in areas with contaminated soil and accidentally ingest it after touching the ground. 

What lead-containing products should parents be concerned about?

Some foods may have lead in them. Examples could include Lunchables, fruit pouches and veggie puffs. Containers or wrappings may also be a source of exposure as lead from contaminated packaging can seep into food. 

Other products may also expose your child to lead, though often in lower quantities than food. These include antique jewelry, ceramics, china or glassware with lead glazing, lead-based paint and older toys.

As a parent, it’s important to know the possible exposure points for your child so you can prevent as much exposure as possible. If you’re concerned your child may have lead poisoning, you can have them tested at your doctor, your local health department or a hospital. 

What lead levels are safe for children?

Lead exposure is never safe, and any amount of lead poisoning can have negative health and developmental impacts. However, the CDC has guidelines for action levels of lead in kids’ blood. They use a measurement called the blood lead reference value (BLRV) to determine if a child’s lead levels are high. If your child’s BLRV is higher than 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, their lead levels are considered higher than most kids. 

The CDC has recommended tests for learning your child’s BLRV. Learning about blood lead tests can be a good place to start if you’re concerned your child may have lead poisoning. 

Are there lawsuits against companies for lead poisoning in infants?

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is currently pending against companies who knowingly sold baby foods with heavy metals in them, including lead. 

The manufacturers in the MDL, stemming in part from lead poisonings, include: 

  • Beech-Nut
  • Gerber
  • Hain
  • Nurture
  • Plum
  • Sprout Organics
  • Walmart

In July 2024, Motley Rice attorneys filed a lawsuit against these baby food manufacturers on behalf of children who experienced harm caused by the contaminated baby food. The plaintiffs in this case allege that after their children consumed contaminated baby food, they experienced brain injury, bodily impairment and permanent physical deficits.

If your child experienced brain injury or neurodevelopmental harm after consuming baby food that could have been contaminated, you can reach out to a Motley Rice toxic exposure attorney to learn what your legal options are. 

Can I sue if my child has lead poisoning from a product?

Yes, sometimes people can sue a company after experiencing lead poisoning from that company’s product. Their lawyers will have to prove the company knowingly sold the product with lead without warning customers about the risks of the product. 

If your child was exposed to a product that you believe was contaminated and showed symptoms of lead poisoning, reach out to a lawyer to learn what your legal options are.

Contact a childhood lead poisoning lawyer

Motley Rice is currently reviewing allegations against Beech-Nut, Gerber, Hain, Nurture, Plum, Sprout and Walmart regarding lead poisoning. If you believe your child was harmed after consuming baby food from any of these manufacturers and experienced childhood lead poisoning symptoms, you may be able to file a claim.

If you are ready to explore your legal rights related to a potential lead poisoning lawsuit, please contact a lead exposure attorney by email or call 1.800.768.4026.

What should I do if my child has lead poisoning?

If you think your child has been exposed to lead, get medical help and blood testing right away by visiting your healthcare provider, local health department or hospital. 

If you suspect your child may have experienced lead poisoning, a few online resources may help: 

If you suspect a product may have lead contamination, you can report it to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. If you suspect your child may have experienced lead poisoning a Motley Rice toxic exposure attorney can help you evaluate your legal options.

Our childhood lead poisoning litigation experience

Motley Rice attorneys have fought against toxic exposure for families and individuals for decades. We have experience dealing with allegedly negligent companies and understanding the harm they’ve caused. If you or your child have experienced lead poisoning from a contaminated or defective product, you may have a lawsuit. Our team can assist you in filing a case, whether it be in an MDL or other proceeding. 

Your well-being and preventing childhood lead poisoning is important to us. 

Read more about our toxic exposure litigation experience. 

What is lead poisoning?

How can lead poisoning harm children?

How are children exposed to lead?

Are there lawsuits against companies for lead poisoning in infants?

What should I do if my child has lead poisoning?

Our childhood lead poisoning litigation experience

About the Authors

Sources
  1. CDC. Recommended Actions Based on Blood Lead Level.
  2. CDC. About Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention. 
  3. CDC. About Lead in Foods, Cosmetics, and Medicines.
  4. CDC. Lead Exposure Symptoms and Complications.
  5. Loyola University Chicago. Sources of lead poisoning.
  6. Mayo Clinic. Lead poisoning.
  7. McFarland MJ, Hauer ME, Reuben A. Half of US population exposed to adverse lead levels in early childhood. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Mar 15;119(11):e2118631119. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2118631119. Epub 2022 Mar 7. PMID: 35254913; PMCID: PMC8931364.
  8. Mount Sinai. Lead poisoning.
  9. New York State Department of Health. What Your Child’s Blood Lead Test Means. 
  10. Northeastern Global News. Lead found in children’s food illustrates need for ‘continued advocacy’ for testing standards.
  11. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Protect Your Family from Sources of Lead.
  12. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water.
  13. Washington State Department of Health. Common Sources of Lead Poisoning.
  14. World Health Organization. Lead poisoning.
  15. Yale Medicine. Lead Poisoning (in Children).
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