Toxic Legacy of Lead

We know the problem exists. We know how to solve it. And we know we can't afford to wait. Take Action → Eco Activist— Across the country, children are heading back to school, learning the lessons that will shape their futures. But half a million kids in the U.S. have elevated levels of lead in their blood—likely impairing their normal brain development, contributing to learning and behavioral problems and lowering their IQ's—and poor and minority children are unfairly at the greatest risk of lead poisoning. Though the impact of lead has long been clear, millions of children remain at risk from the toxic legacy of lead. No American community is more familiar with this crisis than the residents of Flint, Michigan. As contaminated water flowed from their faucets, an entire country watched in shock—appalled that this could happen in today's America. But we don't have to stand by in silence. This is a problem that needs to be solved now. Tell Congress: Enough delay. It's time to address the Flint lead crisis, and act to protect all Americans from lead. Houses in Flint, like many others across the nation, still have aging lead pipes bringing water into the home. When the state switched the water supply to the Flint River—a more corrosive source—and stopped corrosion control, the water ate the protective coating right out of residents' lead pipes. Lead was released into their water—and into their glasses. The result was catastrophic. Now, Congress needs to solve this environmental and public health disaster—and make sure it never happens again. They need to reauthorize and support national infrastructure funds, like the Drinking Water Safe Revolving Fund. They need to substantially fund recovery in Flint, establishing school and childcare lead testing programs. We need to address the crisis in Flint, and act to protect millions of families around the country from lead poisoning. We know the problem exists. We know how to solve it. And we know we can't afford to wait. Tell Congress: American protections from lead need to be brought into the 21st century. Thank you for standing with us, Heather Shelby Action Network Manager         Share this message on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+. Share this message with a friend If a friend sent this to you, you can sign up to receive our updates too.

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