How the change works
- 01 / Public decision
Standards and independent controls
- 02 / Physical change
Corrosion and lead addressed
- 03 / Possible outcome
Reduced resident exposure
Changing the supply without controlling corrosion can mobilize lead from the pipes. A secure service requires independent controls and interventions on the network.
Research and local documents ↓What the evidence tells us
The study by Hanna-Attisha and colleagues observed in Flint an increase from 2.4% to 4.9% in the share of children under five with lead in their blood above the threshold used by the study.
A sign of exposure to lead
2.4 % of children analyzedBefore the change of source
4.9 % of children analyzedAfter the change of source
Children under five years old with blood lead ≥ 5 µg/dL in the study. Observational comparison; the higher value is a deterioration.
Open the source ↗Read values and method
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Before the change of source | 2.4 % of children analyzed |
| After the change of source | 4.9 % of children analyzed |
Children under five years old with blood lead ≥ 5 µg/dL in the study. Observational comparison; the higher value is a deterioration.
Putting the choices into practice
Appearance
The challengeJudging water by appearance
The responseChemical analysis
Network
The challengeHazardous pipe materials overlooked
The responseScheduled replacement
Oversight
The challengeIgnored reports
The responsePublic data and response
The diagram compares choices and conditions for putting them into practice. Measured outcomes and their limits are discussed in the evidence.
Research and local documents ↓Conditions and limits
It is an observational comparison in the children analyzed, not a measure of all residents. Clear water does not prove the absence of lead.
Other possible benefits
Trust in public service and protection of the most exposed children.
Research and local documents
- Local document and reported findingHanna-Attisha et al., 2016 · Elevated Blood Lead Levels in Children Associated With the Flint Drinking Water Crisis ↗
Research on the case, mechanism, or measures discussed in the sheet.
- Local project or policy documentU.S. EPA · Flint Drinking Water Documents ↗
Crisis response documents, corrosion treatment and controls.
