Toxic Lead Dust a Far Bigger Problem

Patti Whitney-Wise, MICAH Policy - Letter to the Editor, Pioneer Press, Nov 3

Tuesday’s front-page article “State closes Water Gremlin” highlighted the threat of lead dust poisoning for children, whose parents worked at Water Gremlin factory in White Bear Township. One child had blood lead levels three times the “red flag” level. Unfortunately, lead dust is also still present in too many homes in Ramsey County and statewide, due to lead-based paint from homes built before 1978.

Lead exposure disproportionately impacts Black, indigenous, and other people of color and is dangerous and life-threatening for young children and pregnant women. Preventing early-life exposure to lead is important for life-long health. Elevated blood levels (EBLLs) in young children are linked with adverse health effects, including learning problems, behavior problems, and even death if the exposures are very high.

Each year there are still at least 690 Minnesota children who have elevated blood lead levels. Reducing this number to zero will require additional ongoing efforts to eliminate sources of lead in the environment, prevent exposure to lead, and to detect rising blood lead levels sooner.

The Lead Safe Homes bill (HF 1007/SF 1798), sponsored by MICAH, would provide $2 million to conduct lead testing and to make housing units lead safe and would be administered by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

Please join us in supporting this legislation and preventing life-long brain damage for our most vulnerable children.