http://kucinich.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=126741Kucinich Victory to Fund Lead Removal from Schools Passes in the House
Washington, May 14 - H.R. 2187, the 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act, which passed the House today contains legislative language inserted by Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) that ensures that money will be available for schools to remove sources of lead in drinking water.
Thanks to efforts by Congressman Kucinich, Ohio schools will be able to apply for grants from the estimated pool of $228 million for Ohio to replace potential sources of lead including solder, pipe fittings, faucets, valves, meters, pipes, and any fixtures containing brass.
“This legislation creates an investment in our infrastructure as well as the lives and health of Ohio’s children. When this legislation passes, schools will be able protect their students by removing the risk of lead contamination,” added Kucinich.
Lead poisoning remains a serious concern both nationally and in Cleveland. In 2007, over 22% of children tested were found to have an elevated blood lead levels, according to the City of Cleveland. Children are particularly sensitive to lead contamination. Their bodies are developing and growing and absorb more lead than an adult body. Even at low levels of lead exposure, children can experience reduced I.Q., impaired learning and language skills, hearing loss, problems with attention span, and aggressive behavior that studies have linked to a higher likelihood of criminal activity. At greater levels, lead poisoning can also damage the brain and central nervous systems, interfering with learning and physical growth.
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