The Short- and Long-Term Effects
The city’s water issue has long-term effects on residents’ health and, in some cases, has even resulted in fatalities. It is critical to emphasize that lead poisoning in children has long-term consequences that are virtually unreversible. Lead poisoning can result in poor academic performance, a drop in IQ, a loss of problem-solving abilities, hyperactivity, and ADD (attention deficit disorder).
Furthermore, it increases the likelihood of children developing Alzheimer’s disease later in life. Moreover, it can cause damage to the brain and neurological system, as well as slower growth and development, learning and behavior issues, and hearing and speech issues. It is a well-studied neurotoxic, and there is no known safe amount of lead in children since even deficient levels can arouse health problems. In adults, lead poisoning can induce high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and infertility.
The President’s Decision
The president’s decision, in my opinion, is incorrect since Flint’s crisis was caused by a catastrophic combination of the emergency manager law, inadequate leadership, an economically depressed population, and decaying infrastructure. Similar disasters are conceivable in other places, given the current status of many American communities. Expanding the law would make it easier for all cities to obtain the relief they need, regardless of how much clout their lawmakers have in pushing for a disaster declaration.
Particularly now that the United States has seen firsthand how far-reaching and catastrophic a non-natural disaster can be in Flint. Congress should change the legislation to better prepare for the next “Flint” — or, better still, take steps now to minimize future disasters. In the sense that lead pollution of water is a natural process, this crisis is a natural disaster. Furthermore, the calamity will result in years, if not decades, of health concerns, economic losses, and infrastructure repairs that neither the city, county, nor the state can handle.