(638f) The Impact of Lead Water Pollution: Evidence from Three Case Histories

Although water is considered as being essential to life and an important natural resource, disadvantaged communities such as low-income and minority communities are disproportionately burdened by lead exposure in drinking water. In this presentation, we highlight case studies that received national press coverage as well as recent examples of community lead poisoning hazards that are still ongoing across various regions of the U.S. We highlight three case studies of lead contamination involving Flint, Michigan, Washington D.C., and Birmingham, Alabama. Lead in water supplies causes a number of human health issues, including: developmental delay, learning difficulties, lower IQ, trouble concentrating, damage to the brain and central nervous system, slowed growth, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, hearing loss, speech problems, decreased ability to pay attention, underperformance in school, headaches, seizures, among others. The public health and environmental toxicology implications of lead poisoning are described. Community grass roots organizing and partnering public health and environmental sustainability programs are needed to help communities address the cognitive and physical health implications of lead contaminated water and exposome threats that are lurking at disproportionately higher levels in impoverished racial and ethnic communities across the United States.