the flint michigan water crisis: causes & effects

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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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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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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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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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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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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 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 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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RELATION BETWEEN LEAD LEVELS & OLD PIPES

Flin

t Riv

er

KearsleyReservoir

475

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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