~Click here to sign the petition~
Childhood lead poisoning is very much an issue of structural racism, the legacy of redlining Black communities, racial segregation, and the neglect of this issue by our Governor and General Assembly by denying state funding for lead poisoning prevention and neglecting to respond to issues brought forward year after year. Children in Delaware deserve every opportunity to become successful in life, regardless of race or family income. Their ability to reach their potential should not be hindered by environmental toxins in their homes, communities, schools, and drinking water.
Kids Count Data Center reports that in the 6-years period between 2016 and 2021, 2062 children in Delaware experienced elevated blood lead levels above ≥ 3.5 µg/dL when they were tested. Our testing rates are extremely low, so that figure is undoubtedly underreporting the true scale of the problem.
Lead poisoning disproportionately impacts communities with the least political power, including the poor, and Black and Latinx neighborhoods. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, childhood lead toxicity has been recognized for over 100 years, higher blood lead levels are associated with lower IQ scores, intellectual deficits, language difficulties, attention problems, diminished academic abilities, and behavior disorders including attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder; and exposure to lead causes neurological damage, behavioral and learning disabilities, and hinders the ability of students to reach their full potential as adults.
Extensive scientific research has documented a causal relationship between childhood lead poisoning and poverty and crime. Lead exposure affects neural development and diminished functioning in the prefrontal cortex that is associated with impulsivity as well as with antisocial and violent behavior. The effects of childhood lead poisoning not only impact a student’s performance and behavior in school, but also their lives as adults while in society.
The State of Delaware has programs that are supposed to address the issue of childhood lead poisoning and to provide services to children who have lead poisoning. These programs are failing Delaware’s children.
The purpose of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee is to evaluate state programs and identify the necessary steps to make improvements. This petition asks for a complete and systematic review of all state programs that address lead poisoning so that necessary structural changes in their organization and funding can be identified and implemented.
Our coalition of allies feel that a bold step, such as a comprehensive and public program review, is needed to correct the deficiencies in state programs and provide sustainable improvements to prevent cases of childhood lead poisoning and to provide an appropriate response when children are poisoned.
Thank you for your commitment to eradicating childhood lead poisoning.
Amy Roe, Ph.D.
Sarah Bucic, MSN
Lead-Free Delaware
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