The Michigan House of Representatives passed legislation to protect children from lead exposure. The three-bill package updates the law to allow for more children exposed to lead to receive the proper treatment and help they need.

Lead poisoning especially impacts infants and children’s growing bodies and brains, causing developmental delays and behavioral problems, including aggression. Lead comes to the 49503 and 49507 neighborhoods via the soil, housing with lead paint, and possibly via the water supply, when old lead pipes are still in service. Here’s a breakdown of foods that can help:

• Iron-rich foods: Deep green leafy vegetables like collards, mustard greens, kale, spinach; legumes (pinto, navy, black, and adzuki beans etc. and red lentils); raisins and dried prunes; meat.
• Calcium rich foods: In addition to dairy, tuna, salmon, seeds (poppy, celery, chia and sesame), almonds, beans and lentils (legumes), and dark leafy greens (see above).
• Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, strawberries, kiwi fruit, kale, and mustard greens.

Cooking in an iron skillet and eating a vitamin C food along with an iron rich food helps the body absorb even more iron.

HB 5368, sponsored by state Rep. Julie M. Rogers (D-Kalamazoo), revises the definition of “elevated blood lead level” to the lowest number of micrograms per deciliter recognized by experts.

“As a practicing physical therapist, I have firsthand knowledge of the dangers that lead exposure can cause and have personally rehabilitated patients with balance and cognitive impairments traced to lead poisoning,” Rogers said. “There is no lead level in blood which can be considered safe … House Bill 5368 would bring Michigan in line with the new blood lead reference value by adopting the 3.5 micrograms per deciliter standard. All three bills are crucial to preventing lead poisoning, and if exposure does occur, the policy ensures that Michigan’s residents are connected with the resources they need as soon as possible.”

House Bill 4532, sponsored by state Rep. Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), updates various lead provisions in statute and allows Michigan to administer and enforce the federal regulations on lead abatement.

“Michigan families deserve a safe and healthy home, and our legislation is a major victory for families across our state who lack one,” Hood said. “This legislation will protect our kids from the dangers of lead poisoning by providing funds to remove lead from homes, ensuring every child has a fair chance at a healthy future.”

House Bill 5369, sponsored by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), requires a local health department or physician who is notified of a child less than 3 years old with an elevated blood lead level to refer that child to the Early On program, an early intervention program for children who need extra support and help because they have a development delay or pre-existing health issues that could slow their development

“Lead exposure continues to be a silent threat to the health and development of our children. By ensuring that children with elevated blood lead levels are connected to critical early intervention services like the Early On program, we are taking important steps toward protecting their future,” Whitsett said. “This package will help ensure that Michigan’s youngest residents get the support they need to thrive and prevent lifelong health consequences.”