Children suffering from lead

We understand lead exposure limits. But what about the children who have elevated lead levels? Nothing is being done for their missed chance for a good life. That opportunity is taken away without them even knowing it.

Mines have paid the Environmental Protection Agency over $700 million; not one cent has gone to help those who are exposed to heavy metals. That seems like a crime. How can the EPA justify this spending when children are suffering every day from conditions related to lead and heavy metals: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar, attention deficit disorder, cancer, heart disease?

The good people in the Silver Valley struggle every day just to make any kind of life for themselves.

If your child’s quality of life was taken, wouldn’t you want to see them at the very least have resources to help? It is time that those who were exposed be recognized and helped for what they have had to live with.

Agencies say, “Don’t eat the fish, wash hands regularly, stay away from the dirt,” but do nothing to help. With this standard, anyone in the Superfund site will just have to live with it as the EPA spends funds to move the dirt around.

Paul Flory

Smelterville, Idaho