Lead Exposure Recent News

Most people assume that lead poisoning is a thing of the past. We know about the health risks associated with lead exposure. It's been decades since builders could use lead-based materials in new homes. Plus, with so many government regulations on the use of lead, it's easy to assume that manufacturers no longer use it. Unfortunately, many companies still use lead in their products.

Childhood lead poisoning is more common than you may think. The adverse health effects of lead poisoning hazards are severe for young children. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to these health problems. The risk of lead exposure can lead to cognitive disabilities in young children. It can also harm their growth and development and cause learning and behavior problems.

Lead exposure is dangerous for everybody, especially children. This article will offer recent news on lead exposure and environmental health. It will also provide information on current recalls of lead-based or lead-containing products.

Jan. 4, 2024: Recall of Children's Applesauce Packets Due to Lead Poisoning

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tainted applesauce manufactured and sold by WanaBana USA caused nearly 300 cases of lead poisoning. There were 31 cases in Missouri as of late December 2023.

After learning the pouches contained lead, WanaBana announced a voluntary recall of its "Applesauce Cinnamon Fruit Squeezable Pouches" in November. The company recalled all inventory of the product from such retailers as Amazon, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree.

The company marketed squeezable applesauce to children. Kids are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because they are still growing and developing. In Missouri, families can have their children take a blood lead test. A health care provider can determine whether the child has high lead levels. The government made testing available at several locations, and parents had to pay $29 per test.

Nov. 25, 2023: FDA Limits Lead Concentration in Baby Food

In November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it would introduce new guidelines for baby food and food products targeting children under 2.

The new guidelines will limit lead concentrations in all food products for babies and young children to 10 parts per billion (ppb). The new limit for dry cereals will be 20 parts per billion.

According to the FDA, these new limits will help reduce children's lead exposure by as much as 27%.

Nov. 23, 2022: Bentex Recalls Clothing Containing Lead

In November 2022, Bentex, a clothing manufacturer, recalled 87,000 units of children's products due to lead poisoning. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the textile paint on the front of the kids' outfits contained lead. The manufacturer issued the recall, realizing it violated the federal ban on lead paint and lead-based materials.

Consumers who bought these recalled products could demand a full refund. There is no evidence that consumers sued the children's clothing company.

July 9, 2022: New Jersey Initiative for Lead-Free Homes

At the end of the fiscal year in June 2019, the New Jersey Department of Health announced that more than 4,000 children in N.J. had elevated lead levels. As a result, the government created a $170 million initiative to remove lead from older homes within the state. Ideally, the new program will improve public health and prevent lead poisoning.

The lead content ban took effect in the 1970s. But, many older homes still have lead. State law doesn't force homeowners to undergo lead inspections. Nor can the state demand homeowners to perform lead removal in their homes.

This new initiative will target older homes with children. Under the program, inspectors will identify homes with elevated lead levels and perform the necessary remediation. The goal is to keep children safe and secure treatment for those kids with potential lead poisoning.

March 7, 2022: Leaded Gasoline Leads to Loss of IQ Points in Americans

According to a study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, leaded gasoline in the U.S. may have caused the loss of over 800 million IQ points. For more than 70 years, American oil companies used lead in gasoline. Automobiles released dangerous levels of lead through exhaust.

People born before 1996 likely had much higher blood lead levels than people born later. The federal government didn't ban leaded gasoline until then. According to the study, exposure to lead through car exhaust likely decreased people's IQ.

What to Do if Your Child Develops Lead Poisoning

Homeowners can take action to remove lead-based paint from their homes. Lead poisoning prevention is critical. Unfortunately, when it comes to product recalls, parents are at the mercy of manufacturers. Whether it's your child's sippy cup or straw bottle, you should be able to assume they're lead-free.

If your child develops childhood lead poisoning, you have options. Contact a local product liability attorney if you believe their illness results from a dangerous product.