The White House has declared a State of Emergency for Michigan. This, among an ongoing water crisis in the city of Flint.
The city has been grappling with toxic lead contamination in its drinking water, following a cost-saving measure by the local government that involved switching the water supply from Lake Huron, to the Flint River.
But researchers discovered the river water was 19 times more corrosive than the water in Lake Huron -- which left more than 100,000 residents unable to use tap water for drinking, cooking or bathing. The National Guard has been called in to distribute bottled water, filters and testing kits to residents.
Elevated levels of lead in the bloodstream poses major health risks -- especially in young children, where lead can affect brain development.
Instructional Links
PDF & Infographic: Center for Disease Control, Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/publications/lead-infographic-final-full.pdf
Website Article: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Basic Information about Your Drinking Water
http://www.epa.gov/your-drinking-water/basic-information-about-your-drinking-water
Classroom Resources & Games: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Ground Water & Drinking Water, Kids' Stuff
http://www3.epa.gov/safewater/kids/kids_4-8.html
Website Article: Women's and Children Health Network, Kids' Health, Your Food, Water
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=284&id=1494