The Michigan State Capitol in Lansing

Lead Action Guide for Candidates

Lead has lifelong impacts on children

Our children’s health in Michigan is being threatened by widespread exposure to toxic chemicals, of particular concern is lead. Lead is a potent neurotoxicant that has lifelong impacts on children. There is no safe level of lead exposure. Our homes, schools, and childcare centers have been contaminated with this harmful chemical. Children are exposed to lead found in the drinking water, paint, and soil in our communities. As we adjust to the many challenges brought on by the coronavirus, families are spending more time in and around their homes, which could potentially be sources of lead poisoning. Children spending more time inside lead-contaminated homes exacerbates their exposure to this harmful neurotoxicant. 

Childhood lead poisoning damages the brain and nervous systems, leading to poor development and lasting health problems. Exposure to lead is associated with: 

  • ADHD
  • Hypertension
  • Kidney damage
  • Poor development 
  • Decreased IQ
  • Reduced ability to pay attention
  • Decreased academic achievement 
  • Poor adaptivity and problem solving skills

These impacts translate into costly, life-long learning and behavioral problems. A 2016 study released by the Ecology Center found the economic impacts of lead poisoning in Michigan in 2014 to be nearly $270 million, including $112.5 born by taxpayers. A summary of these costs is shown in the figure below. 

A pie chart showing the economic impacts of lead.

A choropleth map of the percentage of children under 6 who tested positive for elevated blood lead levels.

Lead Exposure in Michigan 

The Flint Water Crisis exposed over 100,000 residents--including more than 10,000 children--to high levels of lead through their drinking water. This crisis is not an isolated incident; however, it shined a light on the need to address our state’s crumbling water infrastructure to protect children from lead across Michigan.

In addition to lead exposure from drinking water systems, Michigan’s housing stock also presents a large risk of lead exposure. More than 70% of Michigan’s housing stock was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned in the US. Children’s exposure to lead in the home could be exacerbated by the increased time spent in their homes as a result of restrictions put in place due to the coronavirus outbreak. Remediating 100,000 of Michigan’s most at-risk homes is estimated to cost approximately $600 million, and would reduce lead exposure and the associated costs by about 70%. Ultimately, this investment would pay for itself in about 3 years. 

In 2019, more than 4,000 children in Michigan were identified as lead poisoned (had blood lead levels ≥5 micrograms per deciliter); that’s 2.9% of the 143,140 tested children in Michigan. The state needs to guarantee the health and safety of all children by investing in measures to prevent childhood lead poisoning.

Solutions 

A range of actions are recommended to aid the primary prevention of childhood lead poisoning in Michigan. These actions include: 

  • Test all toddlers. We want all 1- and 2-year old Michigan children to be tested for lead to prevent poisoning. This helps kids get the treatment they need and helps us identify homes that need remediation.
  • Better certification of contractors. We want the state of Michigan to assume responsibility for the federal Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program, which requires building contractors to be certified for lead-safe work on old (pre-1978) homes. State control of this federal program increases efficiency and keeps the program in touch with state-specific issues. 
  • Increase lead inspections. We want to require an inspection for lead paint, soil, dust and water before the sale or transfer of old homes to better find lead and remove it before people move in.
  • Landlords take responsibility. We want landlords to provide lead-free rental units. We must require landlords to (1) fix or reveal lead risks before renting a unit; and (2) submit proof that a rental home has been made lead-safe after a child living there has been lead poisoned. 
  • Secure funding. We want Michigan and our federal government to devote more of its money to testing and treating both children and homes for lead.
  • Follow recommendations. We want lawmakers to take action on suggestions put forth by Michigan’s Childhood Lead Exposure Elimination Commission (CLEEC).