Reading through a new study for the first time, Chakena Perry said what researchers at John Hopkins University found was truly concerning involving the drinking water in Chicago and young children.
“I think people should be able to trust what comes out of their tap and unfortunately a lot of people don’t have that luxury,” she said., researchers found nearly 70% of children under six are exposed to lead-contaminated drinking water in Chicago, or about 129,000 children. Researchers also found racial disparities indicating Black and Brown neighborhoods had lower rates of lead testing and higher odds of exposure.
“We’re estimating that the level in their blood is about twice as much as it would be if they hadn’t been drinking that water,” he said. “Now that’s not to say that this is an emergency these aren’t extremely high numbers for the most part.”