Lead poisoning (also known as plumbism) is a serious and sometimes fatal condition. It occurs when excessive levels of lead build up in the body.

Exposure to lead can occur in a variety of ways including contaminated air, soil, food and water. It is also found in some paints used on older buildings and toys.

Having said this, occupational exposure is the most common cause of lead poisoning.

A variety of processes can create lead dust, fumes or vapour such as the blast removal and burning of old lead paint, hot cutting in demolition and dismantling operations, recovering lead from scrap and waste, as well as lead smelting and the manufacturing of lead compounds.

The body will absorb lead either by inhalation of dust, fumes and vapours or by swallowing small amounts. This may occur for example if food is eaten after exposure to lead without first washing your hands and face. Having said this lead toxicity is rare after a single exposure or episode of ingestion.

Repeated exposure to lead can however cause a variety of symptoms including abdominal pains and cramp, aggressive behaviour, constipation, sleep problems, headaches, irritability, fatigue, memory loss and anaemia. Continued exposure can cause kidney dysfunction and a loss of development skills in children.

If you have been diagnosed as suffering from lead poisoning it may be possible to pursue a claim for personal injury compensation where someone else was to blame for your exposure.

At Sintons our specialist personal injury solicitors can advise you fully on the prospects of pursuing a claim for compensation where you have been diagnosed as suffering from lead poisoning.

All personal injury claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis so you can rest assured that there is no financial risk.

To begin a personal injury compensation claim or obtain further advice with no obligation contact Sintons 24/7.