Dangers Of Lead

Lead is utilized in paints predominantly as a coloring agent, it is also employed to make paints stronger and corrosion resistant.  It’s not only present in older paints, but additionally it can be found in household dust, soil, and drinking water.  It may also be present in vegetation. Lead can seep into soil near old, lead-painted houses as well. Lead was not banned as an ingredient in residential house paint until 1978. Often, you will not be able to get building or landlord insurance in NY on buildings that were built prior to this date unless you can provide a certificate that shows proof of lead abatement.

Lead is most often found in semi-gloss and enamel painted doors, window sills, door frames and moldings.  It may be found in the paint of either wooden or plastic toys made in China. It has been found on toys made in the USA before it was banned.  Lead has also been found in cigarette smoke, which makes it a life insurance rating factor as well.  It is a toxic metal that has been used for many years in various products and building materials.

Lead is soft, durable, and pliable. It is resistant to some chemicals, and fairly common.  It is toxic, and as young children sometimes want to chew on things, they are particularly prone to ingesting it.  It is a hazard to children under 6 years of age in particular, but can affect people of any age, exposure to which can produce a wide range of adverse health effects.

When ingested or inhaled, especially in youngsters and women that are pregnant, It could potentially cause numerous health conditions such as behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and death.  It can irreversibly lower a persons IQ, as well as result in a number of co-ordination skill deficiencies. Lead was utilized mostly in past years compared to these days, thus giving rise to the NY products liability issue of lead poisoning.

Debate: Eldery Drivers

There is a debate raging today about elderly drivers. Elderly drivers are on the streets considerably less than any other age class of people.  They also represent the quickest growing segment of the driving populace.  Although many elderly motorists are responsible and drive within their limitations, sadly, others don’t.  Regardless of the evidence that some elderly drivers pose greater risks on the road, most states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, do not require re-testing of elderly drivers.

Some programs are available to help seniors motorists adjust their driving to changes in their health condition: The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has a Driving Safety Program, that will help older people deal with issues like the best way to compensate for vision problems related to aging.  Even though it may not be mandatory, responsible elderly drivers really should have their hearing, vision and reflexes tested annually; for their own sake as well as others.  Elderly drivers may get defensive , even irritated , when the topic of their driving abilities is raised. They should be included in the decision-making process whenever possible, as opposed to formulating a decision for them.

Elderly drivers cause more fatal accidents than any other group besides young drivers.  While some elderly drivers may pose a threat, statistically, teenagers continue to account for more accidents and deaths on the road. With varying proficiency and physical and mental abilities, elderly drivers should be permitted to drive as long as they are able to do so safely and dependably.

Many NY insurance companies are now starting to penalize elderly drivers as they do teenagers based on their higher accident rates as well so it is imperative for them to shop their insurance rates more often after a certain age to make sure they are still getting the best car insurance rates in NY.

When elderly drivers are required to stop driving or self-regulate in reaction to decreasing abilities and safety issues, they face elevated isolation from family, social, and civic activities and reduced access to professional medical services.  The challenge of elderly drivers is nationwide and should become a top priority for organizations like  AARP and other seniors groups and supporters. When approaching this subject with an elderly loved one, remember how it felt when you were a teenager and constantly being judged on your driving, and also think how you would feel if you were in their shoes, because someday you will.