A recent study reveals that the Flint water crisis is linked to significant academic setbacks for children, particularly in math scores and increased special needs.
Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.
- The water crisis in Flint, Michigan, is associated with a severe drop in math achievement and an 8% rise in students with special needs.
- Despite efforts to recover, students, especially younger ones and those from low-income families, continue to face challenges.
- The crisis's effects go beyond direct lead exposure, indicating broader societal impacts including stress and trauma on children's academic performance.
Key quote:
"It's a substantial reduction in their achievement. It's a tragedy."
— Brian Jacob, professor of education policy and economics at the University of Michigan.
Why this matters:
Understanding the Flint water crisis's long-term effects on children's education highlights the importance of ensuring safe living conditions for healthy development. Childhood lead exposure in all of its insidious forms can cause long-term harm with incalculable costs to public health.
