Louisiana Lawyer BlogLouisiana Lawmakers To Combat Lead Exposure
Three bills addressing lead contamination in schools, day care centers and playgrounds passed in the Louisiana Legislature last week. Upon the governor’s signature, Senate Bills 200, 201 and 211 will require new schools, day care centers and playgrounds to be inspected for lead contamination. The inspection results will then be publicly posted online. The bills also require agencies to publicly reveal federal lead contamination standards.
Lead poisoning is more pervasive than we perceive. Before 1978, when Congress outlawed the use of lead in construction, contractors commonly used lead in pipes and paint in homes, buildings and playgrounds. Unfortunately, the harmful effects of lead contamination continue to linger today in our buildings, water, air and soil, often affecting children. In fact, each year in the United States, approximately 310,000 children, ages 1 to 5, are found to have dangerous levels of lead in their blood.
Elevated levels of lead in the blood and bones can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, headaches, stomach aches, anemia and memory loss. If signed by the governor, this new legislation will provide parents with more information about the potential lead dangers that threaten their children’s health. This new legislation is a step in the right direction to increase awareness about lead contamination in Louisiana and to give parents more control over their child’s well-being in the future.
If you believe that your child was exposed to lead contamination and suffered injuries as a result, an attorney can assist you in understanding your legal rights. For questions, contact Broussard, David & Moroux at 888-337-2323 (toll free) or 337-233-2323 (local).