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Scientists Warn Of Lead Poisoning In Other States – “There Are More Flints”

Government scientists have warned that other US cities are at risk of lead poisoning due to inadequate water systems.  Lead poisoning is a known cause of developmental problems in children, with those under the age of 6 at heightened risk of suffering severe mental and physical development. RT.com reports: Emails released by Governor Rick Snyder’s office show that top aides urged switching Flint back to Detroit’s water system in October 2014, after General Motors complained that the city’s heavily chlorinated water from the Flint River was corroding their engine parts.  The switch to Flint River took place in April that year, and was ordered by the city’s state-appointed emergency manager as a cost-cutting measure. The governor’s chief legal counsel Mike Gadola and Snyder’s environmental policy adviser Valerie Brader both urged the change, but no action was taken, Detroit News reported. Flint switched back to Detroit water in mid-October 2015, after doctors and scientists warned the public about dangerously high levels of lead in the water supply. The contamination occurred as the Flint River water combined with chloride disinfectants and corroded the untreated lead pipes in the city’s system. Federal, state and local officials are still arguing over who is responsible for the disaster [...]