Introduction:
The issue is elevated lead blood levels in children. The bill S.RES.650.ATS Designating the week of October 24 through October 30, 2010 as "National Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week" has addressed this issue by making one week a national lead poisoning awareness week.
Who is affected by the issue?
Children who are exposed to lead through the environment in which they live and parents who don't want to harm their child. Nobody gains from this issue. Children lose this issue because their health is affected by how much they have been exposed to lead.
What are the consequences of the issue?
Individuals are affected and can suffer from damage to the brain or nervous system,learning problems, and headaches. Families of those affected will have to deal with the heath issues that it brings to their children.
What is the economic impact of the issue?
IQ scores are lower for those exposed to lead, this is valued in forgone earnings. Lower IQ scores affect earnings and therefore the economy loses money. Not eliminating lead exposure has a big cost to foregone earnings.
What is the social impact of the issue?
Those living in older homes might still have lead based paint. Also, immigrant children may be at an increased risk.
What are the barriers?
Education, foreign made toys and money.
What are the resources?
Education on lead poisoning. Will need companies who buy imported products on our side.
What is the history of this issue?
The number of children with lead poisoning has decreased 4.7 million since 1978. Lead based paint has also been reduced which decreased the number of homes with it from 64 mil in 1990 to 38 mil in 2000. Many imported products have also been recalled.
Allies and Opponents:
Parents of children would support this issue. Those who would oppose the issue would be companies that still use lead as a base. To involve both in advocacy efforts I would point out that if children are getting sick from their products then people are going to stop buying them.
Your Recommendation:
I want policy makers to vote yes on this issue.
It seems like there has been a pretty significant decrease in the amount homes and amount of products with lead in them. I agree that it is still a pretty important issue that needs to be advocated for.
ReplyDeleteI really hope that your bill gets passed to. Its such an important issue and very preventable if we take a stand. Great post
ReplyDeleteThis is still a very interesting, it is fun to learn about this issue because I have never heard about it. I really hope this bill passes and steps are continued to be taken towards improving this issue.
ReplyDeleteI till think it is crazy how I knew so little about this issue before these advocacy projects. Lead poisoning is a very serious matter, and it is something that should not be taken lightly especially with children,
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