At David Resnick & Associates, P.C., our Bronx personal injury lawyers know lead poisoning remains a significant public health issue in the borough, disproportionately affecting children, as they are more vulnerable to its toxic effects, which can result in developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
The borough dates back to 1914 and measures 57 square miles. With a population of over 1.35 million, the Bronx is considered a high-risk area for lead poisoning, where housing built before 1978 is a primary contributor.
Even the smallest amount of lead in the bloodstream is dangerous because lead is a potent neurotoxin that can cause serious health problems, particularly in children. Just three years ago, 6,000 children under six in New York City were found to have elevated blood lead levels.
There is no safe level of lead exposure, as even low levels can impair brain development, leading to cognitive deficits, learning disabilities, behavioral issues, and reduced IQ.
Lead interferes with the body’s ability to regulate calcium, critical for brain and nerve function. It disrupts essential processes in developing brains. In adults, lead exposure can contribute to cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and reproductive problems. Once in the body, lead is difficult to remove, and its effects can be permanent, making any exposure harmful.
The Bronx has been a focus of New York City’s efforts to combat lead poisoning due to its high concentration of older, poorly maintained housing. If you or your child has been exposed to lead in the Bronx, we want to help you pursue the liable party—or combination of parties—for your complete financial recovery needs.
Our law firm represents lead poisoning victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. That’s a promise. Contact our lead poisoning attorneys in the Bronx today to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Why is Lead Poisoning Still Occurring at Such a Rapid Pace in the Bronx, New York?
Lead poisoning remains prevalent in areas like the Bronx, New York, due to a combination of several factors, including aging housing infrastructure, socio-economic challenges, and insufficient enforcement of health regulations.
Here’s a breakdown of the main reasons:
- Aging Housing Stock: Many homes in the Bronx were built before 1978, the year lead-based paints were banned for residential use in the U.S. Lead paint continues to exist in older buildings, and without proper maintenance, it can peel or chip, leading to lead dust that children may ingest.
- Socio-economic Factors: The Bronx has historically faced high poverty rates, and low-income families often live in older, poorly maintained housing. Landlords in lower-income neighborhoods may not have the resources or incentive to invest in proper renovations that safely remove or encapsulate lead paint hazards.
- Limited Awareness and Education: Many residents may not be fully aware of the risks of lead exposure, mainly if they are immigrants or non-English speakers. This lack of knowledge can prevent tenants from knowing their rights to live in a safe, lead-free environment or from taking steps to avoid exposure.
- Insufficient Enforcement of Regulations: Although laws like Local Law 1 of 2004 in New York City mandate landlords to identify and fix lead hazards, enforcement can be inconsistent. Inspections may not be thorough, and landlords may not comply with the regulations unless pressured by legal actions.
- Environmental Justice Issues: The Bronx also has environmental health disparities, where public health issues often get less attention than wealthier areas. Limited access to quality healthcare can also delay the identification and treatment of lead poisoning, perpetuating the problem.
If your or your child’s health has been impacted by lead poisoning, contact our skilled Bronx personal injury attorneys today to discuss your case during a free consultation. Our experienced lead poisoning injury and illness lawyers in the Bronx offer free consultations to all personal injury victims throughout New York City and take all qualifying cases on a contingency basis, so you pay no upfront or out-of-pocket fees and nothing if we do not win your case.
Resources for Lead Poisoning Prevention and Assistance
New York City Department of Health
- Provides free lead screening for children under six and pregnant women.
- Offers assistance in identifying lead hazards in homes and provides information on safe renovation practices.
- Contact 311 or visit their lead poisoning prevention page.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Offers extensive information on lead poisoning prevention, health effects, and national guidelines for addressing lead exposure.
- Website: CDC Lead Poisoning
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- The EPA provides resources on identifying and reducing lead hazards in the home and workplace, including safe practices for lead removal.
- They also regulate lead-based paint removal and renovations.
- Website: EPA Lead Resources
NYC Lead Hazard Reduction and Prevention Programs
- Through programs like LeadFreeNYC, the city aims to eliminate lead exposure by remediating hazards in old buildings.
- LeadFreeNYC focuses on tenant education, lead inspections, and stricter enforcement against negligent landlords.
National Lead Information Center:
- Provides information on lead hazards, health impacts, and local resources for prevention and removal.
- Contact 1-800-424-LEAD or visit Lead Information.
Has Lead Poisoning Impacted Your Health? Contact Our Skilled Bronx Lead Poisoning Injury and Illness Attorneys Today for Help
The David Resnick & Associates, P.C. legal team understands how lead poisoning can impact you and your family. We work hard to obtain the maximum damages you’re entitled to. We serve accident victims in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx, and New York City.
If you have questions about your personal injury or illness, contact the New York law firm of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., online or call us at 212-279-2000 today for a free consultation about your case.
There is never a charge to speak with our skilled Bronx lead poisoning attorney. If your case qualifies to move forward, we will handle every aspect from start to finish without charging any upfront or out-of-pocket fees. You will pay nothing for our elite personal injury attorney services unless we win your case. That is a promise.