We Were Lead Poisoning Our Kids Before Mattel.

WTF! Don't we live in the richest nation in the world and we are still dealing with lead poisoning.

I had made this map a while ago but I have been waiting for the right time to write about it. Normally, lead poisoning isn’t a very sexy subject, but since middle class kids shopping at Target and Wal-mart are getting extra toxicity in their toys, it has shot to the headlines.

This maps shows sites where lead abatement have been done over the past three years. The sites are single family homes and many have children in them. About 200 sites have been abated. Almost all of the sites are in the “C”. (As if these areas of town need anymore problems.)
In case you are unfamiliar with lead poisoning and its effects, here are some quotes from Wikipedia.

“The symptoms of chronic lead poisoning include neurological problems, such as reduced cognitive abilities, or nausea, abdominal pain, irritability, insomnia, metal taste in oral cavity, excess lethargy or hyperactivity, headache and, in extreme cases, seizure and coma. There are also associated gastrointestinal problems, such as constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, poor appetite, weight loss, which are common in acute poisoning. Other associated effects are anemia, kidney problems, and reproductive problems.”

“A direct link between early lead exposure and extreme learning disability has been confirmed by multiple researchers and child advocacy groups.”

“A May 2000 study by economic consultant Rick Nevin theorizes that lead exposure explains between 65% to over 90% of the variation in violent crime rates in the U.S. and other countries.[10]”

“Outside of occupational hazards, the majority of lead poisoning occurs in children under age twelve. The main sources of poisoning are from ingestion of lead contaminated soil (this is less of a problem in countries that no longer have leaded gasoline) and from ingestion of lead dust or chips from deteriorating lead-based paints. This is particularly a problem in older houses where the sweet-tasting lead paint is likely to chip, but deteriorating lead-based paint can also powder and be inhaled. Small children also tend to teethe and suck on painted windowsills as they look outside. In most American states, landlords and those selling such houses are required to inform the potential residents of the danger.”