E-M:/ Re: Is lead paint an environmental issue?

["Chris Greene" <crgreene@med.umich.edu>]

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Enviro-Mich message from "Chris Greene" <crgreene@med.umich.edu>
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Thank you for elaborating.  I still do not understand:
when I talk about "environmental issues," I am speaking of the air (outdoors), the water (outdoors) the plants and animals (outdoors).  I agree that lead paint, closed air systems, old water pipes and domestic animal abuse are very real problems and should be addressed.  But to my understanding, that is not the purpose of this list.

If somehow you feel that lead paint (or the NAACP) are affecting the (outdoor) environment of Michigan, please elaborate.  I do not see the direct connection.

Chris "Greenbean" Greene

>>> <CSim592951@aol.com> 07/11/01 01:39PM >>>
Dear friend, 

Your question about the relationship between lead paint and the environment 
is an important one and may demonstrate the relationship the crucial 
connection between urban and rural community environmental issues as well.  I 
am not an expert on this issue so I hope others will join in the discussion. 

Until about 20 years ago, --experts please correct me--most of the houses 
built in this area--Detroit--were subjected to paint which had a lead base. 
Most of our housing stock is much older than 20years or the specific cut off 
time. The lead paint and the dust from the paint are often inhaled, picked up 
in paint chips, or otherwise ingested when children play in the area or crawl 
around on the floor in these houses, schools and other buildings. 

The lead base has terrible effects on children including brain damage 
depending upon the child's age and stage of development. Studies show that 
the lead also contributes to the child's agressive behavior.  There are other 
important burdens on the impacted population by lead poisoning.

Since the danger is now widely recognized by the scientific and medical 
community, some communities have initiated lawsuits against the lead paint 
industry with arguments very similar to that of the people who sued the 
tobacco industry and now the gun industry. Simply stated,  If you 
manufacture,sell or distribute a hazardous substance, then you bear some of 
the responsibility for the harm that is caused. 

Thanks for asking. I will try to locate more information for you.

Charles Simmons
Detroit




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