Waiting for action by others ...

Post date: Jan 18, 2016 8:55:43 PM

…may be too late for most (or at least very many)!

In light of the mess with lead in Flint water supplies, as mentioned in a recent @AGIRgenomes tweet, while reconfirming the many molecular mechanisms by which lead is so toxic, it became clear that serious articles about dangers to children from lead in paint were already coming out as early as in 1904… Not just that, even though the evidence was so strong already, it took not just decades but seventy-four (74!) years for any action to occur in the United States! This is just another reason for *you* to take personal action now, in limiting whatever exposures you can choose to avoid!

Here is a quote from a 2013 review about lead and manganese toxicology (Pb=lead):

'As a result of evidence that Pb in paint could cause neurological deficits when ingested by children, Pb was removed from paint in Europe in 1922 and in the United States in 1978.'

- so, Americans waited 56 more years to take action than the people of Europe...

While this tendency should change, it is not so likely to…

For example, EU regulatory agencies have already been taking steps about toxic dyes since about 2005, while nothing significant has been done in America...

So, the conclusion for this 'hot news' post is that the time is now - act for yourself and your loved ones, and spread the word!