Pediatric Gastroenterologist Evaluates Lead Poisoning Caused by Lead Paint Exposure

Case Overview

This case involves a number of children who were exposed to lead based paint during their time living in an apartment complex, all of whom have subsequently suffered from developmental problems. The apartment had undergone several coatings of lead based paint other the years and all of the affected children lived in the same building over a certain period of their life. They all suffered injuries including permanent brain damage resulting in learning and mental disabilities. All of the children were exposed to deteriorating lead based paint during their residence. They were all approximately 4-5 years old when they were first exposed, with blood testing providing confirmation of elevated lead levels. The plaintiffs alleged that the defendants were substantial contributors to the elevated blood lead levels, lead poisoning, and resulting injury of the children.

Questions to the Gastroenterology expert and their responses

Please discuss your background in pediatric lead poisoning.

I am pediatrician by training, but I am also a board-certified pediatric gastroenterologist. As pediatric gastroenterologist, I am at the front line of toxic and non-toxic ingestions dealing with emergent ingestions, as well as their later complications. Since introduction of lead-free paint and coatings, the occurrence of toxic lead ingestion has dramatically declined, but because it is still a part of ingestion umbrella, lead-based paint ingestion incidents make up the majority of paint-related ingestion cases that I treat. Furthermore, I am director of the pediatric endoscopy unit at my hospital, which is where all pediatric ingestion cases eventually end up.

Have you ever written on the subject?

I have not written on the subject, however, as pediatric gastroenterologist I have been involved in various ingestion and exposure cases over the years.

About the expert

This double board certified Pediatric Gastroenterology expert is Fellowship trained and currently practices at some of the most prestigious medical institutions in New York. In addition to his clinical work, this Assistant Professor of Pediatrics is an active researcher and educator. This expert is a member of several highly regarded professional organizations including the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society. He has published several peer-reviewed journal articles in publications such as the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology. He is an Attending Pediatric Gastroenterologist at a major New York city hospital and serves as Director of Pediatric Motility Center and Director of Pediatric Endoscopy Unit.

E-008210

Specialties:

Gastroenterology