Lead paint tragic legacy for Detroit’s children

Recently, the Detroit Free Press ran a front-page article warning that lead poisoning is still a very serious problem for children in Detroit

According to data obtained by Detroit Public Schools and Detroit Department of Health & Wellness Promotion, more than half (58%) of Detroit students have some history of lead-poisoning.  The data also links lead poisoning to low MEAP test scores.

The study supports what many have argued for years: lead poisoning causes permanent brain damage that affects memory, reading comprehension and the ability to concentrate.

Tragically, many of Detroit’s children reside in older homes that still contain the lead-based paint.  Children often become poisoned after ingesting lead paint dust as well as eating lead paint chips or flakes.

In 2005, the Center for Disease Control issued a statement that there is no safe level of lead for children, and noted, “Exposure to lead in young children damages developing brains—and its effects are permanent, so once a child has high levels, the harm is done.”

While the Detroit statistics are alarming, lead poisoning can be a problem for anyone residing in a home built before 1977, the year lead-based paint were banned.  Children under six are at greatest risk, followed by pregnant women and their babies.

The US legislature enacted a law requiring landlords to disclose the presence of lead and to distribute the lead hazard information pamphlet.  Failure to disclose this information may result in civil liability.

If you are living in a rental home or apartment and have a child diagnosed with lead poisoning, you should contact an attorney to learn your legal rights.  Call us for a free consultation.

See the original article here:

http://www.freep.com/article/20100516/NEWS01/5160413/High-lead-levels-hurt-learning-for-DPS-kids

Client Testimonials

  • I APPRECIATE WHAT YOU DID FOR ME IN SUCH A TIMELY MANNER AND THE SURPRISING AMOUNT. ALSO, THANK YOU FOR RETURNING MY PHONE CALLS. A LOT OF ATTORNEYS DON'T DO THAT. I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOU.

    Sincerely,
    V.P.
  • Dear Mr. Mindell,
    Your slogan states: “Experience Dedication Success”. I believe in my heart, strongly added to that should have been, “Honest Fair Integrity”. For those are the finest principles in you, and that was my experience of what you most importantly instilled and guide your practice on. Thank you so much. I do so respect you.
    Carol N
  • Hi Jeff,
    You folks are amazing! It’s a pleasure to work with people that under-promise and over-deliver—many thanks for all that you’ve done.
    Kind Regards,
    Linda
  • Glenn,
    You went all out to help me when I needed it, and I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. You helped make my life so much better.
    Thanks again,
    Michelle H

PROUDLY SERVING ALL OF MICHIGAN
FOR OVER 50 YEARS

free consultation

Name(Required)

800.963.5595 / 248.353.5595

Fax: 248.948.6677