The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) which establishes standards on lead exposure will meet on January 17, 2017 to consider lowering the threshold for lead exposure for children age 6 and younger. Currently, the CDC considers 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood to be high for those under 7 years old. The CDC is considering reduction of 30% to 3.5 micrograms of lead per deciliter. Federal health officials estimate that 500,000 children nationwide have blood levels at or above the current threshold.

According to an article published in Newsday yesterday stated: "About 20 percent of Long Island school districts that reported testing for lead in drinking fountains last year revealed the heavy metal was at elevated levels." This is an extremely serious health crisis and should be discussed with the family pediatrician. Young children who have been exposed to elevated levels of lead have experienced a significant decline in IQ, learning disabilities and cognitive impairment. Less well known side effects of elevated lead levels in children include chronic abdominal pain and constipation. If you believe your child has been exposed to elevated lead levels, call Ron Burke for a free consultation to discuss your legal remedies.