What's happening in Flint, Michigan?
The water supply for has been contaminated with lead for over a year, and President Obama has declared it a federal state of emergency. Unfortunatelty, the lead contamination has increased blood lead levels for almost all the residents of Flint, Michigan.
Lead is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless metal that can lead to developmental delay in children and memory loss in adults. Lead poisoning, however, usually happens over a period of months to years.
Preventative Measures We Can All Take
- Clean faucets and aerators regularly
- Test tap water for lead and other impurities
- Use a filtration device or buy bottled water
- Avoid using painted toys from foreign countries
- Screen young children for blood lead levels
If you'd like to help the citizens of Flint, Michigan recieve drinking water, please consider donating to The Flint Water Fund, where 100% of the proceeds goes towards buying filters and botted water, as well as other emergency support services and prevention efforts.
Sources
Flint's Water Crisis Explained in 3 Gifs
How Water Crisis in Flint, Michigan Became Federal State of Emergency