Flint Michigan water systems affected all citizens. The city changed leaving many with extreme health conditions since the water main switch in 2014. Those most affected were the children. Many experienced lead poisoning because they were drinking and bathing for over a year in unsafe water. Lead poisoning will continue to have long term repercussions on the health of all. Some severe cases have lead to death.
By September 2015 a Flint Pediatrician Mona Hanna Attish, noticed more and more children testing positive with elevated blood-lead levels. The numbers nearly tripled in some nerighborhoods. Long term exposure to lead poisoning on children is not reversable. It may lead to a loss of academic performance, reduction in IQ, a decline in problem-solving skills, hyperactivity, ADD, and greater the chances of Alzheimer’s as an adult.
Lead poising attacks the brain, kidneys, liver, and bones. The body stores lead in teeth and bones where it accumulates over time. During pregnancy, the bone is remobilized into the blood exposing the fetus. Many pregnant women in Flint moved out of Flint to be with family in other states for fear of the health of their unborn child. Those who did not have the luxury of leaving, experienced miscarriages, still born, or mentally handicapped children. High levels of lead is reported to cause comas, convulsions and death.
If you have recently been a victim to lead exposure or would like to learn more about prevention click here.
“A well-studied neurotoxin, there is no known safe level of lead in children as even very low levels of lead can result in adverse health effects. In adults, exposure to lead can increase risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and reduced fertility” (Ruckart, Perri. The Flint Water Crisis: A Coordinated Public Health Emergency Response and Recovery Initiative. Jan 1, 2019.)
