Flint Water Crisis Lecture Notes

Introduction to Flint Water Crisis

• Flint, Michigan experienced a water crisis 6 years ago.
• Residents protested over rust-colored water.
• Officials initially denied issues; a pediatrician discovered high lead levels in children.
• The state declared an emergency following this discovery.

Current Situation in Flint

• Bottled Water Distribution
  • Hundreds of cars line up weekly for bottled water at the Greater Holy Temple Church.
  • Sandra Jones, a community leader, coordinates the distribution.
  • The state stopped providing bottled water, claiming the tap water is now safe.
  • Residents still rely on donated water.

Resident Concerns

• Mistrust in Authorities
  • Residents, like Larry Marshall, distrust city and state assurances about water safety.
  • Historical neglect and deceit have deepened distrust.

Background of the Water Crisis

• Initial Water Source Change
  • Flint was nearly bankrupt in 2014; officials switched water source to save money.
  • The switch was from the Great Lakes to the Flint River.
  • Residents immediately noticed rust-colored water and health issues.

Mismanagement and Consequences

• Failure in Water Treatment
  • Water wasn’t treated properly, causing pipe corrosion.
  • Corroded pipes released lead into the water.
• Health Impact
  • Lead exposure is irreversible and affects cognition, behavior, and development.
  • Children suffered drops in IQ and developmental delays.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha's Role

• Discovery and Action
  • Dr. Mona linked high lead levels in children to water supply.
  • Publicized her findings quickly to prompt action.
  • Flint water was switched back to the Great Lakes after her revelation.

Long-term Effects on Children

• Educational Impact
  • Literacy test scores for third graders dropped significantly.
  • Estimated 14,000 kids under six exposed to lead.

Flint Registry

• Purpose and Implementation
  • Established to track health and development of affected children.
  • Provides services like speech and occupational therapy.

New Research on Lead Exposure

• Innovative Techniques
  • Baby teeth analysis developed by Dr. Manish Arora to track lead exposure.
  • Teeth can reveal precise exposure timelines and levels.

Broader Implications

• National Perspective
  • Other cities like Newark, NJ face similar issues with lead in water.
  • Highlights the critical need for safe drinking water for all children.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Challenges
  • Despite state efforts, full resolution of the crisis is pending.
  • Community leaders continue to provide essential support.
• Reflection
  • The crisis raises questions about equity and public health safety in America.