Lead poisoning - advice?

[CharmedOne]

Circe, I am truly sorry you and your family are going through this. I am glad to hear that your little ones levels are going down. It's a tough situation and finding decent housing in NY is like finding a needle in a haystack. It also takes on a whole new set of requirements when you have a little one. I do hope you can get things back to normal and settled soon. I know it's gotta be tough for the little one too, because they can sense when things aren't right and they really do love their little routines. I like gypsy, would be concerned about what the exposure to the lead can have on your furniture and personal belongings. Do you have renter's insurance? I was wondering if that might be a way to replace anything you may have to get rid of.

There is a ton of info on the net about NY renters rights when it comes to lead paint and unfortunately there are ways for landlords to avoid being responsible for reimbursing their tenants in some cases, if they had no prior knowledge of it. Also from reading prior cases @ their OAG office, NY LL are not required to test for lead either. So I would definitely seek legal advice as soon as possible. If you do intend to move back into your apt after its all repaired, then I would continue to let the landlord do any and all that is needed to get it safe to live in, while you seek legal advice just incase the LL doesn't meet your expectations. I have been out of the real estate for a long time, so I can't say 100% but some renters insurance policies will reimburse you for hotel expenses incurred while the dwelling is uninhabitable. I am sorry I couldn't be of any help to you. But loads and loads of unleaded dust your way and hopefully you can get back to living a happy and healthy lead free life soon, whatever you decide. Again, I am so sorry you and your family are going through this.

 

[CharmedOne]

I wanted to add, that I hope my muttering in my sleep deprived state made some sense. Circe, I really do hope you find or get back to your "Home" soon

 

[Missy]

Oh Circe, I am so sorry to hear this! My dh (he's in the environmental field) said it is a tough job but it can be done- getting the building lead free. Sending you tons and tons of dust and big hugs to you and your little one!

 

[Circe]

Sigh. When will I learn?

The bad news is, the landlord screwed me again: when I got there on Friday morning to let the movers in, I was told that of course the renovated temp apartment wasn't ready like I'd been told. Why couldn't I just wait for Tuesday?

Well, HURRICANE ASIDE, because I'd arranged for the lead inspector to be there again that day, because I am not taking his word for it the place is safe. And because, frankly, enough - the is disrupting the poor baby's life to an unbelievable degree. I wasn't going to do yet more moving, at the last minute, with god knows how little notice. So, we sat the hurricane out in a hotel, and all of our stuff is in storage in Patterson, NJ (crossing my fingers that IT has survived the storm). I'll have my lawyer start pushing for the renovations on OUR place to get going already.

The good news is, we got through the hurricane okay: I hope the same is true for all of you. Will be checking in sporadically - am taking advantage of another nap for this post - but, again, THANK YOU. Y'all give great advice and great reassurance.

 

[Missy]

Sigh. When will I learn?

The bad news is, the landlord screwed me again: when I got there on Friday morning to let the movers in, I was told that of course the renovated temp apartment wasn't ready like I'd been told. Why couldn't I just wait for Tuesday?

Well, HURRICANE ASIDE, because I'd arranged for the lead inspector to be there again that day, because I am not taking his word for it the place is safe. And because, frankly, enough - the is disrupting the poor baby's life to an unbelievable degree. I wasn't going to do yet more moving, at the last minute, with god knows how little notice. So, we sat the hurricane out in a hotel, and all of our stuff is in storage in Patterson, NJ (crossing my fingers that IT has survived the storm). I'll have my lawyer start pushing for the renovations on OUR place to get going already.

The good news is, we got through the hurricane okay: I hope the same is true for all of you. Will be checking in sporadically - am taking advantage of another nap for this post - but, again, THANK YOU. Y'all give great advice and great reassurance.

Oh Circe, big hugs to you and your family! So sorry this is happening on top of everything else! Relieved you got through the storm unscathed and praying things start moving along for you so you guys can get back on track ASAP!

 

[partgypsy]

So sorry this happened. We had the same thing happen with one of our children when they tested her (don't think it got above a 10 but still really scary). We weren't surprised we because we have a house built in 1930, and did try to address the situation by repainting, replacing pretty much all the plumbing, etc. but every time we did renovations, has the potential to kick up contaminated dust. After the news we had someone look at our house. Despite repainting, any time there is a situation where there is friction (window sills) can cause dust/chips. So we decided to replace the windows. The removal itself caused a huge amount of dust debris and it was tiring literally washing surfaces down after this (and washing soft items when possible) but her levels did go down.
One thing our pediatrician told us is dairy products can bind to lead. So keep nursing/giving milk to that lil ol baby to get the lead out.

 

[iheartscience]

What a nightmare. I'm not the litigious type but you should sue the pants off that landlord.

 

[rosetta]

Big unleaded load of dust for you, what a nightmare Circe!

I hope little Circe is taking all this in his stride and that you get a proper lead free home very soon! Xx

 

[CharmedOne]

I'm sorry about the landlord Circe. I wish you all the best. Stay strong. You and your family deserve a break, hopefully things get better soon. Loads of unleaded dust your way.