LANSING — State Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids) introduced a House Resolution this week to declare Nov. 1, 2019 as Lead Poisoning Prevention Day in the state of Michigan. Hood hopes to use the resolution to raise awareness for the long-lasting effects of lead poisoning and urging individuals, businesses and government officials to take meaningful action as Michigan continues to reel from lead-based public health disasters in communities throughout the state.
“Lead poisoning continues to be a pervasive, but preventable, threat in Kent County and across Michigan,” said Hood. “Although a lot of recent attention has rightfully focused on taking action to protect our drinking water, we must also recognize the dangers posed by lead in the soil in our communities, the paint dust in our homes and the toys our children play with. Michiganders must know the simple steps we can all take to limit the risk of exposure. With all that Michigan families have gone through recently, it’s up to us to set an example for the rest of the nation by taking proactive action to keep our kids and families safe from lead poisoning.”
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no safe level of lead exposure for children, especially for children under the age of six. Lead poisoning has been shown to result in brain and nervous system damage, slow growth and development, as well as hearing and speech problems that can impact an individual’s ability to succeed throughout their life.
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