Reps. Crow, James Introduce Bipartisan Resolution to Address Global Lead Exposure
One in three children globally suffer from elevated blood lead levels
WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Jason Crow (D-CO-06), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, alongside Congressman John James (R-MI-10), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a bipartisan resolutionto address elevated blood lead levels in children globally and push for lead exposure prevention in health, education, and environmental programs abroad. Globally, one in three children has elevated blood lead levels.
There is no safe level of lead. The potent neurotoxin can impair brain development, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) levels, increase antisocial behavior, and decrease cognitive function. Goods containing high lead content can enter the US supply chain and threaten the health of American children and consumers.
"Lead exposure can be disastrous — but it's also preventable. One in three children globally should not be suffering from elevated blood lead levels,” said Congressman Crow. “I’m glad to work with Rep. James on this important step towards protecting Americans and the global community from the devastating impacts of lead exposure.”
“Addressing the issue of lead exposure is critical to the health of children across Michigan, our country, and even the world. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead these efforts to express the need for improvements to our water systems that create cleaner water for families and children,” said Congressman James. “Clean air and clean water are a necessity for humanity, and I am proud to join these efforts to ensure that our leaders fight lead exposure and alleviate the burdens of lead for future generations.”
This legislation is supported by Pure Earth, an organization dedicated to preventing toxic exposures and protecting health in low and middle-income countries.
“The negative impacts of the continued exposure to lead among the world's children are extraordinary in scale,” said Drew McCartor, Executive Director of Pure Earth. “This is a solvable problem, and Pure Earth applauds Congressmen Crow and James for introducing this House Resolution and raising awareness about the challenge and its solutions.”
Read the full text of the legislation here.