High levels of lead were found in a surprisingly large number of Bangladeshi kids in New York City — and in pregnant women in Bangladesh. Could there be a common cause?
It's been neglected for years, say global health advocates. Now it's getting more attention. And USAID has added it to its agenda with a $1.5 million budget line. Dr. Atul Gawande tells why.
Ten years ago, Flint, Mich. switched water sources to the Flint River. The lack of corrosion control in the pipes caused lead to leach into the water supply of tens of thousands of residents. Pediatrician Mona Hanna-Attisha recognized a public health crisis in the making and gathered data proving the negative health impact on Flint's young children. In doing so, she and community organizers in Flint sparked a national conversation about lead in the U.S. water system that persists today.
Today on the show, host Emily Kwong and science correspondent Pien Huang talk about the state of Flint and other cities with lead pipes. Efforts to replace these pipes hinge on proposed changes to the EPA's Lead and Copper Rule.
Have questions or comments for us to consider for a future episode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!
A new study finds that 5.5 million adults worldwide died in 2019 from cardiovascular disease attributable to lead exposure, more than six times higher than a previous estimate.
Toxic metal can be harmful to developing brains. New lead targets are part of a broad FDA imitative to reduce children's exposure to the lowest levels possible.
Lead is regularly found in vintage items more than 40 years old, but also in many new, cheaply made dollar-store goods. Children are especially susceptible to lead-poisoning even at low levels.
Health experts warn problems with these "underground poisonous straws" can strike suddenly, and states are getting cash to replace them. But no one knows how many lines exist or where they are.
Four U.S. states are still struggling with high rates of lead poisoning from soil, pipes and paint. It impacts thousands of people each year, especially low-income communities and families of color.
Four U.S. states are still struggling with high rates of lead poisoning from soil, pipes and paint. It impacts thousands of people each year, especially low-income communities and families of color.
We asked global thinkers like Malala, doctors dealing with the pandemic, educators and more — if you were in charge of the world, what would you like to see happen this year.
The White House released an action plan to replace lead pipes and lead paint in the U.S. within the next decade. Lead contamination is known to have detrimental effects on the brain and kidneys.
Findings of contamination led the federal Environmental Protection Agency to investigate a large swath of the English Avenue neighborhood for lead in the soil. That investigation was expanded to more properties a year ago.
It's the first time global data has been gathered on the extent of the problem. Experts are calling it a "groundbreaking" report. And the ill effects can last for a lifetime.
