Over 50% of U.S. children under 6 have lead in their blood, says a new study â with children most at risk living in poverty, pre-1950s housing or living in Black or Latino communities.
Even small amounts of lead can damage the brain, nervous system and cognitive development.
Black children in the U.S. are 3x more likely to have high blood lead levels than white children.
âŞď¸ BIPOC communities 40% more likely to have unsafe water
âŞď¸ Unsafe water ties to segregation/discrimination
âŞď¸ 130M drank from unsafe water systems in 2016-19
The Flint water crisis exposed about 9,000 young children to lead after officials switched water supplies to cut costs.
âŞď¸ Pipe replacement still not complete
âŞď¸ Benton Harbor, another Black-majority MI city, has water lead levels up to 60x federal limit