… not limited to Flint.

In addition to the nearly 20% of water systems nationally testing above the EPA’s “action level” of 15 parts per billion,[1] more than 18 million Americans got their drinking water from systems with lead violations in 2015.[2]

… not limited to water.

Lead in paint remains a serious threat. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that “approximately 24 million housing units have deteriorated leaded paint and elevated levels of lead-contaminated house dust. More than 4 million of these dwellings are homes to one or more young children.” Significant risks may also be posed by lead in soil or in certain products.

… and not “solved”.

Though previous efforts have resulted in substantial progress, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that about half a million U.S. children ages 1-5 already have blood lead levels above the reference level at which public health actions should be initiated.

[1] USA Today (March 17, 2016). The Boston Globe reported on February 2, 2016 that 20,000 buildings in the area are served by water lines made of lead.

[2] Natural Resources Defense Council (June 28, 2016).

So what can we do?

The Coalition for a Public Conversation on Lead believes that the first step to finding solutions starts with having conversations. In order to create holistic, effective, and affordable solutions to this problem we must consider all our options, be open to all ideas, and learn from one another.

To view a few video interviews with a variety of experts on lead and learn more about this issue, please click here.