Did You Know…
The City of Milwaukee comprises nearly 600,000 individuals. Of all those citizens, around 70,000 households have lead pipes running throughout their plumbing, which all are in dire need of replacement or improvement for the health and well-being of all Milwaukee County citizens.
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City of Milwaukee Citizens
Households with Lead in Pipes
For Decades the general population has been warned about the dangers of lead pipes. Even though many older Milwaukee homes have been partially or completely renovated, the plumbing is rarely changed as a complete overhaul of plumbing is a costly expense that lower income families cannot account for.
The result? Long-term lead poisoning; trauma that causes serious physical and developmental risks, especially to children. Children under the age of six are the most vulnerable to lead poisoning which can cause permanent neurological damage leading to learning disabilities and behavior problems.
The Effects of Lead Poisoning
The term ‘poisoning’ has such an urgent ring to it; however, in this case, it is not as simple as an upset stomach or skin rash. The effects of lead poisoning on both children and adults is both short and long-term, and is most detrimental to children as they grow.
When we take that number of Milwaukee County residents living in a home with lead plumbing, nearly half are children of the age of six or younger. This is a crucial age range in their development; these children start to develop their mental faculties along with their physical capabilities. Additionally, infants that are fed formula prepared with lead-contaminated water are consuming a much larger quantity of lead relative to their small stature.
Initially, lead poisoning is largely asymptomatic, but long-term developmental issues are imminent in children. Originally identified by the Center for Disease Control, these medical troubles include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Physically stunted growth
- Kidney problems, both in youth and adulthood
- High blood pressure in adulthood
- Irreversible neurological damage
- Attention span issues (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Behavioral problems
- Permanent damage to the brain
In this case, the asymptomatic nature of lead poisoning is extremely detrimental, as many parents do not realize the danger their child is in. Lead accumulates in the body over time, which leads to these aforementioned problems.
Together we can provide clean, safe drinking water for the vulnerable population of Milwaukee County and ensure that above all else, the children have the opportunity to stay healthy and grow into successful, happy young adults.
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