Cleveland Lead Hazards

In recognition of the danger posed by lead contamination, Congress banned the use of leaded gasoline in 1972, lead-based house paint in 1978, and lead drinking water pipes and solder in 1986. As a result, children living in newer homes are less likely to be exposed to lead and less likely to suffer the damaging effects of lead poisoning. However, children living in older homes remain at heightened risk of exposure to lead hazards.

SOURCE: EPA

Cleveland is an old city - the average residential structure is nearly a century old - so children growing up in Cleveland are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. Lead-based paint is pervasive in Cleveland's housing stock and remains a hazard until remediated according to EPA standards. Applying a fresh coat of lead-free paint on top of older, lead-based paint might mask its danger temporarily, but the newer coat of paint will eventually deteriorate and chip, taking pieces of the older lead-based paint along with it. These fragments of lead-based paint mix with household dust, accumulate on floors where children play, and can easily be inhaled or ingested by small children.

If you live in a house or apartment that was built before 1978 and has not had lead abatement, be sure to have your child tested for lead poisoning. If your child has tested positive for lead poisoning, please contact our lead poisoning attorneys by calling us or filling out the form on this website.