Lead poisoning and the problems it presents continue to surface in new ways across Rust Belt cities. In Cuyahoga County, 15 percent of children tested under age 6 have been lead poisoned at some point in their lives.
In some Cleveland neighborhoods, it’s estimated as many as one in four children has an elevated lead level. In addition, many at-risk children are not being tested or not getting the help they need to combat the serious threat lead poses to their developing brains. In an effort to raise public awareness about these issues and give parents information they need to protect their children, ideastream has launched a media series on the web, radio and television.
WCPN presents the Be Well Special, “Lead: Crisis Abandoned” with All Things Considered host, Tony Ganzer. This radio documentary explores the challenges of funding in Cuyahoga County and highlights how federal money to remove lead risks from homes ran out in May. It also takes a look at the impact of lead poisoning on local children and families, as well as efforts by community leaders to design solutions to help them.