Parent Talk Live
Lead Exposure
Forest Of The Rain Productions asked a prominent physician, who is an expert in Geriatric Medicine to share their thoughts regarding the contaminated water crisis in Flint, Michigan.
FOTRP: As you continue to follow the story of contaminated water in Flint, Michigan and how long government officials have known about this issue what are your thoughts?
Physician: It is disturbing that government officials have taken so long to respond to the issue knowing the very real health impact this contamination has had on the residents of Flint.
Many officials have taken steps to personally protect themselves, leaving residents in the dark about this risk. This kind of situation should not occur given the protections in place by the EPA and state, local agencies. If this can happen in Flint, it can happen elsewhere and everyone should be concerned. Having said that, I do believe that it was allowed to happen here unchecked with no officials at the local or state level taking responsibility because Flint is a poor minority city. This is appalling.
FOTRP: Health has been the focal point of several high level debates recently regarding the effects of elevated lead levels in the drinking water of residents in Flint, Michigan. In your opinion what are some of clear and present health concerns for the residents and what should and can be done to support their health needs?
Physician: Increased risks for cancer, fertility, normal growth and development and especially cognitive function.
FOTRP: What are the long term effects of lead poison in regards to children?
Physician: Growth & cognitive dysfunction are most pressing concerns for me.
FOTRP: From a medical perspective how should parents deal will the long term effects of exposure to elevated lead levels in the water their children have used?
Physician: Parents should seek help from health providers and form support groups. This is going to not only have a physical effect the children and residents health, but will also impact their psychological health & well-being. Parents are likely to experience anger over the situation, not knowing about it and not being able to prevent it as a result. This is a terribly tragic situation with long lasting effects.
FOTRP: As you continue to follow the story of contaminated water in Flint, Michigan and how long government officials have known about this issue what are your thoughts?
Physician: It is disturbing that government officials have taken so long to respond to the issue knowing the very real health impact this contamination has had on the residents of Flint.
Many officials have taken steps to personally protect themselves, leaving residents in the dark about this risk. This kind of situation should not occur given the protections in place by the EPA and state, local agencies. If this can happen in Flint, it can happen elsewhere and everyone should be concerned. Having said that, I do believe that it was allowed to happen here unchecked with no officials at the local or state level taking responsibility because Flint is a poor minority city. This is appalling.
FOTRP: Health has been the focal point of several high level debates recently regarding the effects of elevated lead levels in the drinking water of residents in Flint, Michigan. In your opinion what are some of clear and present health concerns for the residents and what should and can be done to support their health needs?
Physician: Increased risks for cancer, fertility, normal growth and development and especially cognitive function.
FOTRP: What are the long term effects of lead poison in regards to children?
Physician: Growth & cognitive dysfunction are most pressing concerns for me.
FOTRP: From a medical perspective how should parents deal will the long term effects of exposure to elevated lead levels in the water their children have used?
Physician: Parents should seek help from health providers and form support groups. This is going to not only have a physical effect the children and residents health, but will also impact their psychological health & well-being. Parents are likely to experience anger over the situation, not knowing about it and not being able to prevent it as a result. This is a terribly tragic situation with long lasting effects.