Lead Exposure & Criminal Behavior The Flint water crisis is a significant recent event that has brought media attention to the major physical and behavioral effects that arise from lead exposure in children. These physical and behavior problems not only affect development and achievement of the child, it also may put the child at risk of criminal behavior later in life. Attacking this problem at the root is to empower local systems and those at high risk for lead poisoning, and then resources will then be best used to aid those most affected by the problem. Lead exposure in children poses a significant risk to the development and growth of those children. For example, in a study done by Dr. Herbert Needleman and Constantine Gatsonis, PhD,
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Low income and those suffering from financial hardships are more likely to be affected by lead exposure. Flint, Michigan is an example of this type of area to be most likely affected. Because the city of Flint wanted to save money, they switched the water source to a source using lead pipes. Also, because of a lack of immediate action from the city of Flint, the people of the city will be suffering from the exposure and poisoning for years to come. However, Flint is not the only area to be affected by lead exposure. Buffalo, NY was once called “ground zero” for lead poisoning, as many inner city children were tested at three times the state average. The significant issue that arises from both of these crises is the lack of response from officials and the city. By raising awareness to lead exposure and poisoning to families all socioeconomic levels, the problem may be stopped before it gets to the severity that Flint is experiencing. The residents of Flint were also not equipped to deal with the exposure once they were aware of it. Unfortunately, since many of those affected are unable to afford to buy cases of clean water everyday, many had to continue to use the tainted supply, even once it was clear that something was wrong. By becoming aware of the problem and taking swift and immediate action, the issue has a greater chance of being resolved before it gets to the
Low income and those suffering from financial hardships are more likely to be affected by lead exposure. Flint, Michigan is an example of this type of area to be most likely affected. Because the city of Flint wanted to save money, they switched the water source to a source using lead pipes. Also, because of a lack of immediate action from the city of Flint, the people of the city will be suffering from the exposure and poisoning for years to come. However, Flint is not the only area to be affected by lead exposure. Buffalo, NY was once called “ground zero” for lead poisoning, as many inner city children were tested at three times the state average. The significant issue that arises from both of these crises is the lack of response from officials and the city. By raising awareness to lead exposure and poisoning to families all socioeconomic levels, the problem may be stopped before it gets to the severity that Flint is experiencing. The residents of Flint were also not equipped to deal with the exposure once they were aware of it. Unfortunately, since many of those affected are unable to afford to buy cases of clean water everyday, many had to continue to use the tainted supply, even once it was clear that something was wrong. By becoming aware of the problem and taking swift and immediate action, the issue has a greater chance of being resolved before it gets to the