"Poisoned Places: Toxic Air, Neglected Communities"

Two decades ago, Democrats and Republicans together sought to protect Americans from nearly 200 dangerous chemicals in the air they breathe. That goal remains unfulfilled.

Today, hundreds of communities are still exposed to the pollutants, which can cause cancer, birth defects and other serious health issues. A secret government 'watch list' underscores how much government knows about the threat – and how little it has done to address it.

http://www.npr.org/series/142000896/poisoned-places-toxic-air-neglected-communities

High levels of toxic lead found in air outside Chicago school. Residents in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood complained for years about metallic-tasting smoke rolling down their narrow streets but had little evidence it was harmful. Now they have proof. Chicago Tribune, Illinois.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-pilsen-lead-problems-20110331,0,6458283.story

Rachel warned us....

Massive Fish and Bird Kills Throughout Eastern U.S. |
By Teresa Bertossi
With the massive bird kills, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, “A Fable for Tomorrow”, comes to mind: On the mornings that had once throbbed with the dawn chorus of robbins, catbirds, doves, jays, wrens, and scores of other bird voices ...
- http://headwatersnews.net/

Lead Free Kids

You Can Prevent Lead Poisoning

Learn what you can do to prevent lead poisoning in your home, in your school, on the job, during your home renovation, or as a property manager/landlord.

National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW)

Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future

“Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future” is the theme for this year’s National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (NLPPW) which will be observed on Sunday, October 24, 2010 through Saturday, October 30, 2010. The Tracking Program has teamed up with the National Center for Environmental Health’s Healthy Homes & Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch to provide health communication resources and information to help you promote awareness. The 2010 NLPPW Toolkit is an online resource that includes lead week posters and flyers plus, widgets and buttons for your use. It also includes sample press materials that can be customized for your program. The 2010 NLPPW Toolkit is available at:  http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/nlppw.htm#. For more information, please contact Desir’ee Robinson at drobinson@cdc.gov.

Also see 

• Be Lead Safe, Not Lead Sorry

• Act for a Healthy Tomorrow

Be Lead Safe, Not Lead Sorry

Stripping paint? Renovation?
Maintenance? Rehab? Restoration?

When old walls and woodwork need attention,
Take precautions. Think Prevention.

Beware lead fumes, chips and dust.
Learn lead safety. It's a must!

Bag up belongings. Take everything out.
Cover the carpets. Make sure no one's about.

No children, no pets, no mommies-to-be
Until all's cleaned up and completely lead-free.

Open the windows. Set up the fan.
Seal up the doors as well as you can.

Keep gardens and play yards lead-safe as can be.
Use drop cloths to catch flying chips and debris.

Choose tools with care. Sharp scrapers are best.
Sharpen them often. Don't make a mess.

Dress for the Job. Wear special work clothes.
Protect your hair, eyes, mouth and nose.

Choose a respirator just right for your face.
Make sure the appropriate filter's in place.

Don't eat or smoke on the job 'til you're through,
Or some of the lead will get into you.

Clean up with care. Don't spread lead about.
Vacuum and wet mop to get the dust out.

Change clothes at the work site.
Don't bring Poison dust with you.

Only after you're clean
Can kids safely kiss you.

With toxic hazards, don't take a chance.
Dispose of them properly, far from your manse.

Lead poisoning is bad news. You don't want to get it.
It comes from old paint. So take steps to prevent it.


-- Ellie Goldberg, 1985