Lead Hazard
karishmakkhanalWHAT (& WHAT FOR): Lead is a metal often found in pipes, and in old paint (before it was banned in paint in the late 1970s). Before 1996, lead also found in vehicle fuel resulting in soil contamination in many communities from both paint dust and vehicle pollution.
HEALTH IMPACT: Lead is a neurotoxin and is known to have no safe blood lead level in children.
Has been linked to:
Brain swelling, anemia, seizures, renal failure, reduced IQ, and ADHD
Damages brain development in children
Connected to behavioral problems like aggression and bullying, and internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety
LOCAL IMPACT: Recent research in Santa Ana has shown that there is a disproportionately impact of solid lead contamination crisis on lower income, people of color communities.
POSSIBLE RESPONSES: There are many ways to respond to lead contamination:
Providing special health care for children with high blood lead levels, and investigating possible sources of lead exposure in homes, daycares and school, playground, etc.
Implement strict housing policies where landlord and city housing officials are required to have lead inspections of homes for lead paint hazards (especially in low income, people of color communities)
Requiring a minimum reduction standard for lead paint in older homes
Requiring blood lead level test as part of the routine check up for children (extremely important for children in low-income housing)