Parker Waichman LLP

CDC Lowers Lead Limits For Children

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) just lowered its lead limits for children. The move is the first of its kind regarding what represents lead poisoning in children since 1991. The CDC posted on its web site that the change came after recommendations made by an advisory panel earlier this year, said […]

CDC Lowers Lead Limits For ChildrenThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) just lowered its lead limits for children. The move is the first of its kind regarding what represents lead poisoning in children since 1991.

The CDC posted on its web site that the change came after recommendations made by an advisory panel earlier this year, said The LA Times, and noted that it was unclear about the decision’s impact and that it lacked funds for additional testing or to determine and decontaminate potentially lead poisoned sites, said The LA Times.

“The proposed methods to address recommendations are contingent on the availability of resources. In FY 2012, funding for CDC’s Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention activities was reduced significantly from FY 2011. As a result, funding is not available for state and local Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Programs (CLPPPs). In many instances, these reductions limit CDC’s ability to fully implement many of these recommendations in the short term,” the Center noted in its report, according to The LA Times.

The CDC, which said it will now conduct reassessments every four years, said that while it typically follow its advisory panel’s recommendation, it could not carry out all the recommendations, despite its agreement to do so, because it lacks funding. For instance, said the LA Times, the advisory group suggested doctors report high lead levels to local health departments, retest children to locate changes, and assist parents in locating and eliminating lead sources. The CDC agreed it lacked staff or funds for these measures.

The more stringent standards define poisoning when 5 micrograms of lead are present per deciliter of blood, a decrease from the prior standard of 10 micrograms for children younger than 6 years of age. Banned in paints since 1978, lead can still be found in dust at work sites and in leaded gasoline. Lead is detected in the human body through blood testing, said The LA Times,

We recently wrote that a new study revealed that childhood exposure to lead dust is linked to violence, suggesting issues with exposure to leaded gasoline and acts of violence up to 20 years after the exposure. According to the researchers, vehicles that used leaded gasoline—best known for its air contamination—have led to increases in aggravated assaults in urban areas.

As we’ve long written, exposure to lead in children and unborn children can cause brain and nervous system damage, behavioral and learning problems, slowed growth, hearing problems, headaches, mental and physical retardation, and behavioral and other health problems. Lead is also known to cause cancer and reproductive harm and, in adults, can damage the nervous system. The developing brain is of particular concern over negative influences known to have long-lasting effects that can continue well into puberty and beyond. Once poisoned, no organ system is immune.

Children with lead poisoning may experience irritability, sleeplessness or excess lethargy, poor appetite, headaches, abdominal pain with or without vomiting—generally without diarrhea—and constipation, and changes in activity level. A child with lead toxicity can be iron deficient and pale because of anemia and can be either hyperactive or lethargic. In adults there may be motor problems and an increase in depressive disorders, aggressive behavior, and other maladaptive affective disorders, as well as problems with sexual performance, impotence and infertility, and increased fecal wastage and sleep disorders. Lead poisoning can also result in oversleeping or difficulty falling asleep.

The LA Times pointed out that high lead levels can lead to coma and lower levels to reduced IQ scores, according to the CDC. Officials estimate 77,000 – 255,000 children suffer from high lead levels and that the tougher standards may reveal an increase in these figures to 450,000.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Responsiveness I would like to complement my only contact person at your firm. Her name is Ashley Lopitlato her kind reassurances sustained me through times of worry and doubt she made the wait far more bearable. Thank you, Ashley
R Nagle
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I highly recommend Parker Waichman LLP for your legal needs and concerns .Especially Mrs Gina Viti, who worked to get me an award from my 9/11 related illness. Mrs Viti was nothing but professional ,but above all that , she was compassionate, understanding and listened to my story with interest and attention. I felt like she took a personal interest in my case and I felt like I was dealing with a friend looking to help me, more than an attorney just going through the motions. She has experience and knowledge in her profession and she is an asset to the law firm. I cannot thank her and the law firm enough.
michael gug
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I feel very grateful and happy with the service I received from the Parker Waichman LLP office. The process was very fast and effective. Thanks to Catherine Maryann and Jorge for helping me.Thank you
Hary Orellana
8 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038