There is a great follow up article, in the Plain Dealer on the Front page of Sunday, 1/6/18, about the discussion of Lead Poisoning in Cleveland at our meeting with Tazz Mays. We were all very engaged and concerned about this issue.

Toxic Neglect

A BURDEN CARRIED INTO THE CLASSROOM

Widespread lead exposure in Cleveland can impede learning

Rachel Dissell | rdissell@plaind.com

In recent years, thousands of children started

kindergarten in Cleveland public schools already poisoned by lead, which threatens their chances to achieve and poses steep challenges for the district charged with educating them. ¶ More than a quarter, 25.7 percent, of the kindergartners screened had a history of lead poisoning at or above the level where public health officials recommend action, researchers at the Center on Urban Poverty and Community Development at Case Western Reserve University found. ¶ A staggering 93.5 percent of them had some exposure to lead, which even at low levels can damage a developing brain and cause educational, behavioral and health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

If you’d like to get more involved here’s some information on how you can Take Action.

The upcoming meeting announced by Science Café on this topic is on January 14, 2019, entitled: “Eliminating Childhood Lead Poisoning: Is It Worth The Cost?” featuring John Sobolewski, Deputy Director, Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Location: Music Box Supper Club – Concert Hall, 1148 Main Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Doors open 5:30 p.m (limited menu available). Presentation & discussion 7-8:00 p.m.  Sponsors:  Case Western Reserve University Chapter of Sigma Xi (the Scientific Research Society), WCPN Ideastream, and the Music Box Supper Club.