Lead Crisis in Flint, Michigan Unaided by Congress
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The New York Times reports that residents of Flint, Michigan who have been suffering from severe lead poisoning are still going without financial assistance.
As stated by The New York Times, "The state government, whose officials caused this crisis, has been loath to commit substantial funds to long-term needs."
Sadly, lead poisoning often affects younger children the most, causing long-term, irreversible damage. The article estimates, "8,000 or more children under the age of 6, whose developing brains can suffer irreversible damage from exposure to lead, drank the poisoned water, and some are already showing symptoms."
The cost to replace the pipes that have been giving residents lead-infected water are expected to be around $1 billion, and substantial needs are still going unmet of the families suffering from this tragedy.
The article states, "It is outrageous that Flint residents, even though the city has switched back to cleaner water from Lake Huron, still have to rely on bottled water and filters because the lead continues to leak from the pipes. And children are not the only victims. Lead poisoning can have severe consequences for people of all ages."
Our office has supported families and has worked tirelessly against tenants who have placed children and families in dangerous conditions such as these.
