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FLINT,MICHIGANWATER CRISIS
THE
CAUSES & EFFECTS
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS
CONTENT
A Chronology of Events
Lead poisoning Facts and figures:Children With Lead LevelsThe key problemThe pipesRelation between lead levels & old pipesProposed supply pipeline
Lead exposure effects:In newborns and babiesIn childrenIn adultsIn petsThese foods may help protect you and your family
Legionnaires' Disease outbreak:Signs and symptomsLegionnaires’ Disease cases in MichiganLegionnaires’ Disease cases in Genesee County
TipsIn the KitchenCleaningIn the BathroomCaring for Pets
Sources
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FLINT,MICHIGANWATER CRISISA Chronology of Events
THE
Switching water sources in
Flint resulted in toxic levels of
lead and other contaminants,
causing a public health crisis.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
2013
Flint
DETROIT
Flint
DETROITWATER
FLINTWATER
APRIL 16Flint joins a new water authority to save money that will get water from Lake Huron rather from its existing water source in Detroit. The project will take 3 years.
LakeHuron
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
2014
BOIL WATER
APRIL 25
MAY
AUG. 15
OCT. 13
City begins using water from the Flint River until the pipeline from Lake Huron can be completed.
Flint residents complain about the new water.
A boil advisory is issued in parts of the city after water tests positive for E. coli bacteria.
The Flint General Motors plant refuses to use the river water because it is rusting car parts. The city arranges for automaker
to tap into a different water line, but not for residents.
Flin
t Riv
er
KearsleyReservoir
69
475
CITY OF FLINTWATER PLANT
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
2015
JAN. 4The city announces that its water contains a high level of trihalomethanes, a disinfectant byproduct in violation of the Safe Drinking Water Act. Residents told not to worry. FEB. 18
A consultant hired by the City of Flint tells the public that the water is safe to drink despite the
presence of sediment and discoloration. FEB. 26A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency manager informs Michigan officials that contaminants from pipes, including lead, are leaching into the water system.APRIL 2
Flint tells residents that it may have violated the Safe Water
Drinking Act because it added too many disinfectants.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
OCT. 1State officials announce that data shows more children have lead in their blood since the water switch.
OCT. 2Gov. Snyder announces the state will buy water filters and test lead in schools. He recommends that Flint go back to using
water from Detroit.OCT. 16Flint switches back to Detroit water.
NOV 16
LEAD EXPOSURE IN CHILDREN CAUSES IRREVERSIBLE HEALTH EFFECTS
CLASS ACTIONLAWSUIT
Class action lawsuit filed against City of Flint and
State of Michigan.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
2016
JAN. 5Gov. Snyder declares a state of emergency in Flint. The Department of Justice opens an investigation.
JAN 7Michigan’s chief medical executive advises Flint
residents to use only bottled or filtered water.JAN. 12Gov. Snyder calls out to the National Guard to distribute bottled water and filters in Flint.JAN. 13
The water crisis expands to include Legionnaires’ disease based upon a spike in number of reported cases. JAN. 16
President Obama signs an emergency declaration and orders federal aid for Flint.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - A CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS
JAN 25EPA announces an investigation into the
handling of the crisis.
JAN. 25State announces that National Guard and Red Cross teams have delivered bottled water twice to every house in Flint.
MAR. 6Democratic presidential debate in Flint. Candidates discuss water crisis.
JAN. 27A federal court lawsuit is filed by
organizations and citizens, including the ACLU, demanding that Flint be
provided with clean drinking water.
MAR. 15The U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform
Committee holds a hearing regarding the crisis.
MAR. 17Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder testifies before a congressional committee investigating the Flint water crisis.
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LEADPOISONINGFACTS AND FIGURES
On March 4, 2016, workers began digging up and replacing lead services lines at homes in
Flint neighborhoods with the highest number of children under 6 years old, senior citizens,
pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems and homes that tested with
high levels of lead in tap water.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD POISONING FACTS AND FIGURES
CHILDREN WITH LEAD LEVELS
0% 2% 4% 6%1% 3% 5% 7%
Share of children under age 5 with elevated levels of lead in their blood.
Before the Flint water switch from Detroit Waterto Flint River Water on April 25, 2016
After the Flint water switch from Detroit Waterto Flint River Water on April 25, 2016
Children from Flint
Flint children in areas with high water lead levels
Flint children in other areas
Children from Genesee Country (excluding Flint)
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD POISONING FACTS AND FIGURES
THE KEY PROBLEM
Water from the Flint River is highly corrosive (its water has about 8 times more chloride (Cl–) in it than Detroit water) to iron and lead. Unfortunately, these pipe materials are widely used throughout Flint.
And, if these pipes are exposed to corrosive water, or if water sits too long inside them, the lead could be released and may end up coming out of the tap.
Detroit water Cause for concern Flint water Highest level found in Virginia Tech’s Flint sample
Highest level found in Flint
2.3parts per billion
5parts per billion
27parts per billion
158parts per billion
13,000parts per billion
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD POISONING FACTS AND FIGURES
THE PIPES
Galvanized pipes accumulate lead particles in corroded interior walls
Brass faucets and valves can have
traces of lead.
Lead can be found in solder used before 1987.
Many lead service lines are connecting older homes to water mains.
Public water main
Communication pipe
Public service line Customer service line
Houses built before 1930 usually contain lead piping.
Lead contaminates tap water differently than most pollutants, because lead comes from plumbing.
External supply pipeInternal supply pipe
Summing up: water from Flint River moved through lead pipes,picking up the toxin as it went, and spread it throughout the population.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD POISONING FACTS AND FIGURES
RELATION BETWEEN LEAD LEVELS & OLD PIPES
Flin
t Riv
er
KearsleyReservoir
475
69
This map shows properties that registered lead levels above the federal threshold for drinking water (15 parts per billion). Some of the highest levels of lead were found in older neighborhoods.
There are 15,000 to 25,000 lead service lines in Flint.
Replacing the city’s lead service lines will take years.
Properties which registered high levels of lead in tests of their drinking water..
Buildings built in 1940 or earlier.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD POISONING FACTS AND FIGURES
PROPOSED SUPPLY PIPELINE
City of FlintWater Plant
Reservoir Pump StationGCDC Water Plant
Intermeditate Pump Station& Stabilization Reservoir
INTAKELakeStation
LakeHuron
Henderson Rd Storage
Schematic proposed Lake Huron Water Supply Pipeline.
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LEADEXPOSUREEFFECTSLead poisoning occurs when lead builds up in the body, often over a period of months or years.
Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time. Children under the age of 6
are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical
development. Higher levels can damage the kidneys and nervous system in both children
and adults. Very high lead levels can be fatal.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD EXPOSURE EFFECTS
IN NEWBORNS AND BABIES
Problems with brain development, resulting in reduced IQ and
behavioral changes; headaches; nervous system damage; seizures.
Hearing problemsAnemia and hypertention
Muscle weakness
Kidney problems
Abdominal pain and cramping; constipation
When a child drinks water containing lead particles, it can lead to serious health consequences.
Babies who are exposed to lead before birth may experience:
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD EXPOSURE EFFECTS
IN CHILDREN
Developmental delay
Learning difficultiesIrritability
Loss of appetiteWeight loss
Sluggishness and fatigue Abdominal painVomitingConstipation
Hearing loss
Children with low lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick. The only way to know if your child has lead poisoning is by getting a blood test. Ask your doctor or health care provider to test your child under six years of age at least once a year.
Muscle weakness
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD EXPOSURE EFFECTS
IN ADULTS
Declines in mental functioning
DepressedMood disorders, Irritable
Tired, Weak
Memory loss, Distracted
Risk of miscarriageRisk of premature birth
Cause your baby to be born too small.
Hurt your baby’s brain,kidneys, and nervous system
Cause your child to havelearning or behavior problems
Headache
Nauseous/SickLoss of appetite
Muscle painJoint pains
High blood pressure
ConstipationAbdominal pain
Reduced sperm countAbnormal sperm
Numbness, tingling orpain of the extremities
Although children are primarily at risk, lead poisoning is also dangerous for adults. Signs and symptoms in adults may include:
IN PREGNANT WOMEN:
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD EXPOSURE EFFECTS
IN PETS
WeaknessPoor appetite
Vomiting
If animals display any of these signs, please seek veterinary care.These changes may develop over time.
Sleepiness/fatigue
Behavioral changesSeizures
Extreme anxiety
Belly/stomach ache
Diarrhea
BlindnessCrying
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEAD EXPOSURE EFFECTS
These foods may help protect you and your family
It is important for everybody, but especially children with elevated blood lead levels, to eat a well-balanced and age-appropriate diet. There are a few really important nutrients that help protect kids from lead
poisoning, especially foods high in iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin C.
Milk, yogurt, cheese, and green leafy vegetables
like spinach
Red meat, beans, cereals, and spinach.
Oysters, seafood, meat, seeds, and cooked dried beans, peas and lentils
Oranges, green and red peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and juices.
CALCIUM IRON ZINC VITAMIN C
Eat healthy snacks: a person with an empty stomach will absorb more lead.
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LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK
Legionnaires’ Disease is caused by bacteria. The number of reported Legionnaires’ Disease
cases has increased in the Flint Area since the water source was changed to the Flint River.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
It occasionally can cause infections in wounds and in other parts of the body, including the heart.
It usually develops 2 to 10 days after exposure to legionella bacteria.
1st day signs and symptoms:
Headache
Chills
Muscle pain
Fever: may be 104 F(40 C) or higher
2nd. or 3rd. day: other signsand symptoms that may include:
Confusion or other mental changes
Cough (may bring up mucusand sometimes blood)
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Gastrointestinal symptoms
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK
LEGIONNAIRES’ CASES IN MICHIGAN
Flint
DETROIT
GeneseeCountry
Legionnaires’ cases in Michigan,per 100,000 residents,2014 and 2015
20.8
16.6
12.4
8.3
4.1
0
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS - LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK
LEGIONNAIRES’ CASES IN GENESEE COUNTY
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N DM J J A S O N D
Note: Monthly case values are approximated for May/June 2015 and August/September 2015.
Flint switched its water supply to
the Flint River in April 2014.
City’s water supply was switched back to Lake Huron.
1 case
Legionnaires’ casesin Genesee Countyreported by month,2010 - 2015
The relationship between the increase in Legionnaires’ Disease cases to the new water source has not yet been confirmed
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TIPS
Although your water may be a different color sometimes, it is not caused by lead.It’s important to remember:
• You can’t see, smell, or taste lead in water.
• Lead won’t change the color of your water.
• The only way to know what your home’s lead levels are is by having your water tested in a lab.
LEAD IN WATER
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS
IN THE KITCHEN
CLEANING
Use filtered tap water for: • Drinking (including making coffee, drink mixes, juice, baby formula) • Cooking (even if you boil the water, the lead will stay in the water and food) • Washing fruits and vegetables
You can use unfiltered tap water for: • Washing your hands • Washing dishes• Wiping down countertops
You can use unfiltered tap water for: • Mopping floors • Washing clothes Your washing machine and dryer won’t put lead from the water into the air your home.
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS
IN THE BATHROOM
CARING FOR PETS
Use filtered tap water for: • Brushing kids’ teeth
You can use unfiltered tap water for: • Showers • Baths (don’t let kids drink the water as they play in the tub) • Brushing your teeth (if you are an adult) Lead will not cause rashes or other skin problems. However, if chlorine levels or other cleaners are high in the water, it may cause itchy or dry skin (similar to what can happen when you swim in a pool).
Use filtered tap water for: • Pets’ water bowls
You can use unfiltered tap water for: • Baths
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THE FLINT, MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS
SOURCES
A Chronology of Events:www.michigan.gov/flintwaterwww.epa.gov/flintwww.aclumich.org/flint-water-crisisOriginal URL: www.buckfirelaw.com/library/flint-water-crisis-timeline.cfm
Lead poisoning Facts and figures:www.wsj.com/articles/flint-set-to-begin-replacing-lead-pipes-1457121838www.vox.com/2016/2/19/10972256/the-visual-guide-to-lead-poisoningwww.public.health.oregon.gov/HealthyEnvironments/HealthyNeighborhoods/LeadPoisoning/ParentsFamilies/Pages/signs.aspxwww.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/02/04/us/flint-water-lead-maps.htmlwww.mediad.publicbroadcasting.net/p/michigan/files/201512/water_report.pdf - Page 6Original URL: http://www.buckfirelaw.com/library/flint-lead-poisoning-facts-infographic.cfm
Lead exposure effects:www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lead-poisoning/basics/definition/con-20035487www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/health.htmlwww.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/pregnant.htmOriginal URL: http://www.buckfirelaw.com/library/ lead-poisoning-effects-infographic.cfm
Legionnaires' disease outbreak:www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/legionnaires-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028867www.vox.com/2016/2/15/10991626/flint-water-crisiswww.huffingtonpost.com/entry/flint-water-legionnaires-lead-crisis_us_569d09d6e4b0ce4964252c33www.nytimes.com/2016/02/10/us/michigan-officials-defend-handling-of-legionnaires-disease-outbreak-in-flint.html?_r=0Original URL: buckfirelaw.com/library/flint-legionnaires-disease-infographic.cfm
Tips:www.michigan.gov/documents/lead/2015-10-21_-_Lead_-_Flint_Water_FINAL_1_504859_7.pdf
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