Protect children from lead poisoning personal injury

Toys made with lead-based paint have become a growing concern for parents across the country. Our Toledo, Ohio personal injury attorneys encourage parents to learn about how to they can keep their kids safe from this health hazard.

Consumer Reports recently published an article highlighting ways that parents can help keep their kids away from personal injury caused by lead poisoning. Throwing away toys with chipped paint, deteriorated plastic, or damaged parts is a smart, immediate way to remove lead-based painted toys from your home. The US government provides a website, www.recalls.gov, where parents can check to see if toys in their toy boxes have been recalled for the tainted paint.

Lead poisoning in young children can cause loss of IQ points, memory problems, inability to concentrate or pay attention, and difficulty with motor skills. Stomachaches, cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, unexplained fatigue, headache, and higher rates of tooth decay are all symptoms to watch out for, according to WebMD.

Wash children’s hands frequently, and keep toys stored off the floor and in a clean place. Serve food in lead-free containers, such as those made out of glass or plastic, and wrap school lunches to prevent contamination from often lead-filled vinyl lunch boxes.

Consumer Reports encourages parents to steer clear of no-name brands and inexpensive jewelry for kids. Arts and crafts products should be non-toxic.

Avoiding lead-based paint can be a good opportunity for parents to find alternative toys for their children. Books, wooden toys and washable stuffed animals are fun substitutes to many of the popular, painted toys.

Lead testing is available if you think that your child may have been exposed to lead-based paint. Homes built before 1978 run a higher risk of having lead-based paint on their walls, and these buildings can be tested as well. Contact the National Lead Information Center for more information on this testing.