DEAR Blog
Disaster Experiential Activity and Reflection
Project by Noah Hass-Cohen, Psy.D., Alliant International University School of Professional Psychology
Contributors: Jeremy Arzt, M.A.; Joanna Clyde Findley, M.A.; Anya Kavanaugh, B.F.A;
Alliant International University, Couples and Family Therapy, Crisis and Trauma course students
April 25, 2015
March 2012-Present: FLINT WATER CRISIS
Background
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Context: Flint once housed General Motor’s largest plant. The city’s economic decline began in the 19080s, when GM downsized. In 2011, the state of Michigan took control of Flint’s finances after an audit predicted a city deficit of $25 million. The plan was to switch from Detroit Water & Sewage Department (DWSD) to Karegnondi Water Authority (KWA).
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March 2012- April 2013: To reduce the water fund shortfall, Flint announces a pipeline would be built to deliver water from Lake Huron to Flint. While under construction, the Flint River would become city’s water source.
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April 2014: The city’s water supply is switched to the Flint River.
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August 2014: A boil water advisory is issued by the city, as fecal coliform bacterium is detected in water supply. The city responds by adding chlorine and advisory is lifted one week later.
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September 2014: A second boil water advisory is issued by city. Positive tests for total coliform bacteria act as a warning that E. coli may be contaminating water. More chlorine is added to water & the advisory is lifted less than one week later.
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January 2015: City warns residents water contains byproducts of disinfectants that may cause health problems; could cause liver, kidney, or central nervous system problems and an increased risk of cancer. City deems water safe for majority of population, but cautions children and elderly should consult their physicians.
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January 2015: Residents become increasingly upset, bringing containers of the contaminated and discolored water to community meetings. Reports are made of children developing rashes & “mysterious illnesses."
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February 2015: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) reports a excess TTHM, a cancer-causing byproduct of chlorine, has been found in water. MDEQ states there is no immediate health risk.
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February- March 2015: EPA reports dangerous levels of lead in one residents home, but this was not uncommon among others. Results from testing showed levels were 7 times higher than safety limit. Follow-up testing shows levels were over 25 times higher; an indication of rapid increase.
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June 2015: EPA releases notice stating Flint is not providing proper treatment to reduce lead in drinking water. Water shows levels of about 13,000ppb, 2.5 times what is labeled as hazardous waste.
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September 2015: An estimated 40% of homes have elevated levels of lead in drinking water. State is recommended to declare water is not safe for consumption.
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October 2015: The city’s water source is switched back to Detroit water, however it will take weeks for the system to properly flush contaminants.
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December 2015: Flint declares a state of emergency. This declaration allows for FEMA to step in to assist.
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January 2017: MDEQ reports levels of lead in water are now below federal limit.
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October 2018: Only 7,500 pipes have been replaced meaning thousands of homes are still left using pipes containing lead.
Psychological Impact
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Health Consequences for Children from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Center for Disease Control (CDC):
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At high levels, lead attacks the brain and central nervous system to cause coma, convulsions, and even death.
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Children who survive severe lead poisoning can be left with mental retardation and severe behavioral problems.
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At lower levels of exposure, that cause no obvious symptoms, lead can affect brain development resulting in reduced IQ, reduce attention span, increased antisocial behavior, and reduced educational attainment.
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THE NEUROLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF LEAD ARE THOUGHT TO BE IRREVERSIBLE.
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The psychological impacts of this event have the potential to develop into an ongoing crisis for those individuals involved. Not only will they have to deal with the physical and medical consequences of lead exposure, they will have to live with the themes of uncertainty, fear, diminished quality of life, marginalization, injustice and inequality.
