Why you should care!
This is Not Just Your Problem. It’s the Problem of Every Generation After You
Lead Is a Silent Killer
Lead contamination is an invisible, slow-moving threat that poisons us without warning. It seeps into our bodies unnoticed, creeping into our lives and affecting our most vital organs, especially the brain. We often associate lead poisoning with children, but the reality is, it affects us all, regardless of age. Lead isn’t a problem confined to history; it’s something that continues to impact us, and it’s harmful effects can last for generations.
It’s Not Just About Today
While it’s true that lead exposure poses immediate dangers, it’s consequences echo far into the future. The damage doesn’t end with you. Every small amount of lead we pollute with today accumulates, affecting future generations. Your children, grandchildren, and their children will feel the effects of your inaction.
Lead disrupts the functioning of vital organs most notably the brain and causes damage that can hinder cognitive development, cause behavioral issues, and lead to long-term health problems like kidney failure, high blood pressure, and more. The toll doesn’t stop there: Lead also affects our economy, our society, and even wildlife.
Lead’s superpower is it accumulates.
What Are We Doing About It?
While progress has been made in eliminating lead from gasoline, paint, and other household items, the battle is far from over. There are a surprisingly large number of industries where lead is still used in abundance. Leaded aviation fuel, is still used by small aircraft, and continues to pollute our air and soil. This means even if you live in a newer home, you’re not free from lead exposure.
Lead poisoning is still rampant. Old homes with lead-based paint and contaminated water supplies continue to be a source of exposure. The issue has not been fully addressed, and as time goes on, lead contamination becomes more entrenched in our environments.
How You Can Help
There is hope, and you can make a difference. While lead contamination feels like a massive, inactionable problem, small actions add up and they can make a real difference in your own life and the future. Here's what you can do today:
Test your water and home for lead. It’s simple and affordable, and it could save your family from a long-term health disaster.
Educate yourself on lead.
Check your home for lead-based paint if it was built before 1978. Hire a professional to remove it if necessary.
Clean your house in a way that reduces your chance of exposure.
Be aware of potential hazards in your local area.
Support policies that demand the elimination of leaded aviation fuel and hold industries accountable for polluting our environment.
Advocate for more testing and cleanup efforts in communities where lead contamination is still rampant.
The Legacy We Leave Behind
This issue is bigger than any one of us. Every day we delay taking action, we allow lead to infiltrate our lives, damaging our health, cognition, and overall well-being. The legacy of lead poisoning will be passed on to generations to come unless we make the choice to stop it.
It’s not just about you. It’s about the world you’re living in and leaving behind. Lead poisoning is preventable, but we must act now.
Final Thoughts
We can’t afford to ignore the silent threat of lead anymore. The time to act is now for our health, for our children, and for future generations. The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to undo the damage.
Together, we can create a future that is lead-free. But we must start today.