RGH Investigations often deals with asbestos investigation, lead poisoning investigation and more. It’s a serious matter that causes lifelong issues or even death. But in this case in particular, we had to investigate the question, does lead paint in the walls still exist today? Lead poisoning was once present in the walls of most Chicagoland homes and buildings prior to 1978. Some of it has been carefully remediated and replaced with safe materials, but according to WTTW News in May of 2023, as many as half a million homes have lead paint hazards. According to WBEZ Chicago in June of 2023, they reported that 95 elementary schools and 24 high schools had deteriorating paint in the room. That means lead in the peeling paint is exposed to those children.
The Dangers of Lead Paint
As paint ages and peels away from the walls, tiny particles of lead spread through the air these children breathe. Naturally, the residents breathe in the dangerous lead and enters the healthy lungs. Living in this dangerous environment can cause serious health problems for both kids and adults. When exposed to lead paint, a child can experience developmental problems. Young children under the age of 5, can absorb up to 5 times the amount of lead an adult does. As a result, lead poisoning can lower a child’s IQ scores, less academic achievement and increase behavioral problems. When exposed, lead is stored in the bones of pregnant women and is released into the bloodstream, which is shared with the unborn child. This results in developmental problems or premature birth. RGH Investigations were asked to look into a case with a mother and young girl who allegedly suffers from lead poisoning. This brought us to a lead poisoning investigation.
A Public Housing Crisis
RGH Investigations were called to do a lead poison investigation in a major US city. The mother became pregnant while living in Chicago public housing. It was discovered that the public housing had lead in its walls. The mother decided to take legal action against the city. When her daughter was born, she was diagnosed with developmental issues due to lead poisoning. The mother filed suit for monetary compensation through the court system.
A Sensitive Case
This case needed to be handled with care and sensitivity. RGH Investigations were hired to surveille the six year old girl. That means we monitored her day-to-day life. Because she is so young, we utilized both female and male private investigators. These investigators were to gather evidence to show the city that her developmental issues were verified and requires monetary compensation.
The investigators determined that the girl did show signs of impaired daily function. On the last day of surveillance, the investigators followed the young girl to a school located outside of the city borders. It was found the girl was going to a new school that helped with her developmental problems. The city was not informed of the school change. Because of her acceptance, it became apparent that the young girl suffers from developmental issues. The school professionals had confirmed this themselves. As a result, the city and the mother agreed to settle.
Hiring a Private Investigator for Sensitive Cases
If you or someone you know is in need of a lead poisoning investigation, an asbestos investigation, or any investigation regarding old, hazardous materials that should’ve been replaced long ago but remains in place, RGH Investigations can help. We conduct these sensitive surveillance investigations with care using advanced and modern private investigation techniques. To get started, contact RGH Investigations today at 312-981-8770.
