Water with Lead Contamination
Flint, Michigan
By: Kelsey and Hailey
What is the problem?
Because of the change from Detroit water to Flint water systems, Lead leaked from the pipes and fixtures into the town's drinking water. All the citizens are continuing to drink the water ever though it has lead in it. However, they still drink the water because they have no idea what is in their water, until now.
Kids are affected
Kids are more exposed to lead poisoning that adults.
Flint Water
What water looks like when lead is in it.
Impacts on the Brain
If a child ends up getting lead poisoning, it is most damaging to the brain and nervous systems.
Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
It's official! Lead is in Flint's, Michigan water. If you feel that you, a family member or a friend may have lead poisoning keep reading for the symptoms.
Adults:
- High blood pressure
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Joint pains
- Muscle pain
- Declines in mental functioning
- Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
- Headache
- Memory loss
- Mood disorders
- Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm
- Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women
Children:
- Developmental delay
- Learning difficulties
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sluggishness and fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Hearing loss
Newborns:
- Learning difficulties
- Slowed growth
If any of your family members have these symptoms, go to the doctor immediately! Don't waste a second.
How did lead get in the water?
One of the questions that need to be addressed is how the lead got into the water in the first place. Before the crisis, Flint Michigan was getting its water from the Detroit water system. The city mayor had recently decided to switch to the Michigan river water system, in order to save money. The water in that system is still currently contaminated and still is harmful to the city of Flint.
How the Lead can Impact a Child's Future
When a child is exposed to lead, it will be more harmful to that child rather than an adult. As more lead builds up in the human system, it can cause problems with the brain, kidneys, or the bone marrow. In Flint, Michigan, there are around 9,000 kids that are exposed and many of them will die because of the high level of lead in their system.
Above is a the amount of lead that is now in your home. As shown above, the water you're drinking now is high above the safe amount of lead you should be consuming.
How can I prevent lead poisoning?
In order to avoid getting lead poisoning, drink out of bottled water and use water filters. When the water goes into the water pitcher, the lead will stay behind as the water drips down into the bottom. We have just got a call this morning stating that Flint will start to share Detroit's water until the lead gets under control. Some city workers will fix the pipes that are leaking. Although the lead will remain in the water for awhile even after the city switches to a new water system.
Don't
Don't drink any of the Flint's water at this moment. If you do, you may end up with lead poisoning.
Do
Do drink and use bottled water. Also, use water filters to protect yourself, so you do not get lead into your water.