Pediatric lead exposure and the water crisis in Flint, Michigan

JAAPA. 2017 Feb;30(2):43-46. doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000511794.60054.eb.

Abstract

Changing the source of the water supply to save money had the unintended consequence of exposing residents of Flint, Mich., to elevated lead levels in their drinking water. A study done at Flint's Hurley Children's Hospital demonstrated that the incidence of elevated blood lead levels of children living in the affected area nearly doubled after the change in the water source. This article reviews the recommendations for lead screening and for reporting, following, and treating children with blood lead levels greater than 5 mcg/dL.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aftercare
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Exposure*
  • Drinking Water / chemistry*
  • Food Contamination*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Lead / blood*
  • Lead Poisoning / blood
  • Lead Poisoning / diagnosis*
  • Lead Poisoning / therapy
  • Mass Screening
  • Michigan

Substances

  • Drinking Water
  • Lead