Water Contanimation in Flint, Michigan, May Not Be Harmful to the Brain

The high lead content in the potable water of the households in Flint, Michigan, has bothered residents concerned with the health of their families. But despite the contamination, it was claimed that the lead content of the water will not cause damage to a person's brain.

According to Scientific American, the contamination will not cause permanent damage to the "mental functions" of young individuals. It explained that the effects of the high levels of lead in the water can be cured through medical intervention.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute environmental engineer Marc Edwards said it is inappropriate to tag affected children as "brain damaged." "Poisoning is obviously a loaded word. I've spoken to many parents in Flint, and I'm concerned because I don't want children there defined by what happened to them," he explained.

On the other hand, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine neuropsychologist Kim Dietrich said it is also wrong to use the word "poisoned" in the Flint case. He explained that the lead content did not reach alarming levels for it to be considered a poisoning.

"Yes, blood lead levels in Flint were elevated above the background range, but not in a range associated with pediatric lead poisoning," Dietrich noted. The neuropsychologist added that children with lead levels below 45 mcg/dL are not treated for lead poisoning.

The expert explained that when the problem is addressed, the lead concentration in the blood goes back to normal levels in six to 12 months. "There is nothing in the data that suggests that children will have negative impacts of short-term low-level exposure over the long term," he added.

Lead contamination exists throughout the U.S. — but Flint has a special history https://t.co/X5Ks4uJIoq pic.twitter.com/z1rWfdm7wk

— SPLC (@splcenter) March 8, 2016

CBS News said Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has laid out "comprehensive action plans" to avoid similar lead contamination in the future. He claimed that he will aim to improve public health and rehabilitate old infrastructure, among others.

The governor noted that some of the concrete plans his administration will do are replace drinking water fixtures and lead service lines in their locality. He added that he is "committed to addressing immediate concerns and finding long-term solutions to improve the quality of life for the people of Flint."