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Environmental Studies Dr. Barry W. Barker

Environmental Studies Dr. Barry W. Barker. Activist For Environmental Justice, Inc.-(AFEJ) Business Plan Ruth Esther Denise Mann. Activist For Environmental Justice, INC. (AFEJ,INC). Introduction The Problem Survey The Proposed Solution The Summary Statement. Introduction.

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Environmental Studies Dr. Barry W. Barker

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  1. Environmental StudiesDr. Barry W. Barker Activist For Environmental Justice, Inc.-(AFEJ) Business Plan Ruth Esther Denise Mann

  2. Activist For Environmental Justice, INC.(AFEJ,INC) • Introduction • The Problem • Survey • The Proposed Solution • The Summary Statement

  3. Introduction Lead Poisoning of children in low income areas is an environmental issue. Lead is a silent killer if left undetected. This chemical can cause slow growth, learning problems, violence, convulsions and even death. Lead has been banned in gasoline, paint, toys and many other products we use in the home. Yet since the 1970’s when we discovered the problems and dangers of lead poisoning, over 300,000 cases of lead poisoning of children nationwide are reported annually. This is a major environmental issue because lead can still be found in the soil, homes, schools, daycare centers built before 1978, toys, jewelry, phone cords and many other items children come in contact with. It’s a greater problem in the inner city because low income families live in older homes, buy cheap toys and jewelry and are being affected. We must take a stand help the community to become aware of this problem in their community. We must help to empower residents so they can avoid exposing their precious children to the danger of lead in their blood. It is important to bring attention to this problem that should be eradicated with knowledge and empowerment.

  4. Environmental Impact Statement Many children in low-income areas of Hillsborough County are potentially exposed to toxic poisons in their environment. Hillsborough County is the third most environmentally toxic county in Florida. We believe that many Hillsborough communities may be disproportionately exposed to environmental harms and risks that can lead to lead poisoning, asthma and exposure to air toxics. There is a need to educate and empower residents living in low-income areas within Hillsborough County. Consequently, Activist For Environmental Justice (AFEJ), a Florida non-profit corporation was formed. We will educate residents and enable them to develop proactive and strategic approaches to address environmental justice issues, and to achieve community health and longevity.

  5. Problems in the low income communities • Children living in older housing units. • Cheap jewelry with lead. • Toys with lead paint.

  6. Research of lead poisoning • Hillsborough county has reported over 43 reported victims this year. • Mary Shedden of The Tampa Tribune wrote an article on June 24, 2007 titled Toxic Trinkets. • Soldier Bear Toy sets were recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Commission July 18, 2007.

  7. What is Lead Poisoning? • A neurotoxin metallic element absorbed in the lungs and stomach. • Too much lead accumulating in the body. • Blood lead levels of 10 micrograms per deciliter

  8. Who is most susceptible to lead poison? • Pregnant women • Children 6 Months to 6 years old.

  9. Historical background • Lead paint banned in the late 1970’s • Massachusetts passed a law in 1990 requiring mandatory yearly screening of children. Florida has not passed any such law.

  10. What are the historical effects of lead poisoning? • Damage to brain and nervous system. • Behavior and learning problems. • Lowered I.Q. • Attention Deficit Disorder. • Violent or Aggressive behavior • Death

  11. Other groups addressing this problem • Hillsborough county Health Dept. are doing workshops at PTA meetings. • Senators are introducing legislation to make all child care facilities lead safe. • EPA proposes mandatory lead-safety training in the school system. • Cynthia Keeton helps people rehabbing older homes showing them how to contain lead infected areas.

  12. How will AFEJ help to eradicate lead poisoning? • Educating the public on the dangers. • Push for a law requiring yearly universal screenings for lead poisoning.

  13. Field Research - Survey • Does your child live in a home built before 1978? Yes – 70% No - 18% Not Sure - 12% 2. Was your child’s school built before 1978? Yes - 56% No - 10% Not Sure - 34% 3. Does your child wear jewelry from the Dollar General or the vending machines? Yes - 82% No - 14% Not Sure - 4% 4. Does any person in the home work with lead? Yes - 40% No - 56% Not Sure- 4% 5. Do you live near an industry that uses lead products? Yes - 58% No - 24% Not Sure - 18% 6. Does your child eat soil, paint, toys, or other non-food items? Yes - 44% No - 36% Not Sure - 20% 7. Does your child have learning or behavior problems? Yes - 54% No - 46% Not Sure - 8. Is your child anemic? Yes - 60% No - 32% Not Sure - 8% Did you answer YES? Ask your child’s doctor to screen him/her for lead poisoning.

  14. Chart of Survey Results

  15. Explanation of Results • The people that answered yes to the questions should have their children screened for lead their blood. • Anyone answering “not Sure” is asked to make sure it is either Yes or no. • This survey shows that there is a need to educate residents of the dangerous toxins in their environment. • The survey shows the need for AFEJ,INC to be formed

  16. What are solutions AFEJINC will use to prevent lead poisoning? • Propose a law for Lead screening for all children. • Work to make Real Estate professionals aware of the effects of lead poisoning. • Pass out lead testing kits to the community. • Empower residents of the dangers of peeling paint in their homes. • Reach out to the community in their block association meetings and do a workshop on making your home lead safe. • Choose lead free housing. • Wash your child hands often. • Feed your child healthy foods.

  17. Supporters of a lead free environment • Cynthia O. Keeton of the Hillsborough Health dept. • EPA • Pastor Malcolm Burleigh –Living Faith Assembly • Senator Obama and Rep. Slaughter

  18. Programs • Presenting workshop at the down payment assistance classes. • Go door to door and giving out lead testing kits. • Recruiting volunteers to pass out brochures in the community.

  19. Achieving Recognition 1. Local Television and Radio PSA’s. 2. Newspaper articles in: • Florida Sentinel Newspaper • Tampa Tribune • St Petersburg Times 3. Meeting with Local PTA and Civic organizations.

  20. Summary • Need for community education on lead based issues. • Increased awareness may lead to lower incidence of “labeling our young children” • Support of this subject comes from: • Local PTA’s • Local civic organizations. • Local religious leaders

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