Learn which SC workers are most at risk of lead poisoning and the steps to take to get the workers’ comp benefits you deserve if you’re affected
Although lead use in products has become less popular in recent years, lead exposure and poisoning are still risks for many workers in Columbia, South Carolina. Workers in construction, manufacturing, and similar industries are most at risk. Because even small amounts of lead can build up in the body over time, knowing the symptoms is key to protecting your health.
If you’ve gotten sick after being exposed to lead at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages during recovery. But filing a claim for lead poisoning can be complicated, so it is important to understand your rights and know what steps to take to get the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Whether you’ve already been denied workers’ comp benefits or you simply have questions about your claim, the experienced Columbia work injury lawyers at Chappell, Chappell & Newman can help. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more.
What occupations are most likely to face lead exposure?
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services identifies contaminated soil, dust, and chipping lead-based paint in homes built before 1950 as major sources of lead exposure in the state, but jobs in battery manufacturing and the production of stained glass and ceramics also pose high risks.
A more inclusive list of workers most at risk in South Carolina includes:
- Construction workers. Renovation, demolition, and painting jobs often disturb lead-based paint in older buildings.
- Firefighters. Fumes from fires that contain lead can lead to elevated risk over time.
- Plumbers and pipefitters. Handling old lead pipes and solder can result in direct exposure.
- Metalworkers and welders. Cutting or welding lead-coated materials releases toxic fumes.
- Battery manufacturers and recyclers. Working with lead-acid batteries increases exposure to lead dust and fumes.
- Foundry workers. Smelting and casting metals can release lead into the air.
- Automotive repair workers. Handling old car batteries, radiators, and brake pads can pose lead risks.
- Glass and ceramics workers. Glazes and paints used in stained glass and pottery may contain lead.
- Industrial cleaners and sandblasters. Removing lead-based coatings from buildings, bridges, and machinery can generate hazardous dust.
Workers in these industries may be exposed to lead daily, increasing their risk of serious health issues over time. Preventive measures, such as using personal protective equipment and following workplace safety regulations, are essential to minimizing the dangers of lead poisoning.
Employers can also lessen the risk of lead exposure and poisoning by providing adequate training and personal protective equipment (PPE). Also, ensuring that ventilation systems work efficiently and are up to regulation standards can create a safer and cleaner work environment.
What are the symptoms of lead poisoning?
Since early lead poisoning symptoms often resemble those of common illnesses like the flu or a cold, many workers exposed to lead may not immediately recognize them as signs of lead poisoning. If you work in an industry where lead exposure is possible, knowing the warning signs of lead poisoning is necessary to protect yourself from its long-term effects.
Common symptoms of lead poisoning include:
- Chronic fatigue or unexplained irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or frequent memory lapses
- Persistent headaches or episodes of dizziness
- Abdominal pain, constipation, or nausea
- Muscle weakness or joint pain
- High blood pressure or changes in kidney function
- Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
- Mood changes, such as depression or anxiety
- Loss of sex drive
If you suspect lead exposure, seeking medical attention as soon as possible is crucial as it may be possible to recover. Some treatments, such as chelation therapy, EDTA therapy, iron and calcium supplementation, and other less intrusive options, can help remove lead from your body and reduce its harmful effects under medical supervision.
Did you know?
According to America’s Health Rankings, about 8.6% of homes in South Carolina are suspected of putting residents at risk of lead exposure, ranking the state 7th in the nation. Older homes, particularly those built before 1978, are more likely to contain lead-based paint or lead plumbing, increasing the risk of exposure.
What are the long-term effects of lead poisoning?
Recognizing the symptoms of lead poisoning is the first step in protecting your health, but it’s also important to understand the long-term effects of exposure. Some of the most serious long-term health effects include:
- Neurological damage. Lead exposure can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and learning difficulties.
- Hypertension. High blood pressure caused by lead poisoning increases the risk of heart disease, chronic hypertension, and stroke.
- Kidney damage. Prolonged exposure can cause chronic kidney disease and long-term renal dysfunction.
- Anemia. Lead interferes with red blood cell production, leading to persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Reproductive health issues. Lead can cause fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and developmental issues in unborn children.
- Peripheral neuropathy. Nerve damage can result in weakness, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.
Because lead remains in the body for years, its long-term effects can be serious and may become irreversible, so always seek a medical diagnosis and treatment if you’re experiencing any of these issues after lead exposure at work.
How long does it take to get sick from lead?
The time it takes to get sick from lead exposure depends on many factors, including how much you’re exposed to and for how long:
- Small amounts over a long time. Lead poisoning can develop slowly over months or even years of exposure to small amounts of lead. In some cases, people may not experience any symptoms at all.
- Large amounts over a short time. Exposure to large amounts of lead can lead to lead poisoning (acute poisoning) much faster, sometimes within weeks.
Can small amounts of lead harm you?
Yes, small amounts of lead can be harmful. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no safe blood lead concentration, meaning that any exposure carries some risk. Even low levels of lead in the body can still cause subtle but serious health effects, such as cognitive impairments, developmental delays in children, and increased blood pressure in adults.
Over time, even minor repeated exposure can accumulate, leading to long-term damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and cardiovascular health. This is why it’s so important to minimize lead exposure as much as possible, especially for those in high-risk occupations or environments.
When Will Workers’ Comp Offer a Settlement?
Learn about some key factors that are most likely to prompt a settlement offer after an injury at work and when it’s likely to occur.
Do workers in South Carolina have the right to workers’ comp for lead exposure?
Yes, most employers in South Carolina with 4 or more employees, whether part-time or full-time, must provide workers’ compensation insurance.
Workers who suffer an occupational disease or illness from lead poisoning may be entitled to benefits including coverage for medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. In cases where lead poisoning results in death, the worker’s family may receive death benefits to help cover funeral costs and up to two-thirds of the deceased worker’s wages for up to 500 weeks.
While workers’ compensation is no-fault insurance, meaning a worker doesn’t need to prove anyone is responsible for their exposure to lead, they do have to prove that their job was the direct cause of their lead poisoning.
This can be difficult since workers in South Carolina could also be exposed through their homes, drinking water, and other sources.
Because of this, it’s highly recommended that anyone interested in filing a workers’ comp claim for lead poisoning in South Carolina work closely with a local Columbia work injury attorney who can help gather evidence and build a strong case on their behalf.
How do I file a workers’ comp claim for lead poisoning in South Carolina?
Filing a workers’ compensation claim for work-related lead exposure in South Carolina involves several important steps to ensure you receive the benefits you need. For a successful claim, you must:
- Seek medical care immediately. Getting treatment immediately is essential, as it establishes medical documentation linking your condition to workplace exposure.
- Report the exposure to your employer. In most cases, you must notify your employer in writing within 90 days of discovering you have lead poisoning or receiving a diagnosis. Failing to report on time could result in losing your eligibility for benefits.
- Ensure your claim is filed. After you notify your employer, they’re responsible for submitting your claim to their workers’ compensation insurance provider and reporting it to the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission. If they fail to do so, you should submit Form 50 directly to the Commission yourself.
- Appeal a denial if necessary. If your claim is rejected, you can formally request a hearing by submitting Form 50 and selecting box 13b to indicate you’re appealing the decision.
If your claim is denied or your employer refuses to file, consulting a workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and strengthen your case.
Suffering from lead poisoning at work in Columbia? We can help!
If you’ve gotten sick after being exposed to lead at work in South Carolina, securing the compensation and medical care you deserve can be challenging—but you don’t have to go through it alone.
For over 30 years, the skilled Columbia workers’ compensation attorneys at Chappell, Chappell & Newman have advocated for injured workers, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve to heal and move forward after lead poisoning and other serious and catastrophic work injuries.
Remember, a denied claim isn’t always the end. Contact Chappell, Chappell & Newman today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the support you deserve.
References
South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. (2024). Lead | South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. sc.gov. https://des.sc.gov/programs/bureau-air-quality/air-pollution/lead
United Health Foundation. (2023). Explore Housing With Lead Risk in South Carolina | AHR. americashealthrankings.org. https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/housing_leadrisk/SC
World Health Organization. (2024, September 27). Lead poisoning. Who.int; World Health Organization: WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/lead-poisoning-and-health