Science AMA Series: I’m a stay-at-home mom and citizen scientist who
helped expose the Flint water crisis. People are calling me the next
Erin Brockovich. AMA!
Abstract
Hi everyone! In April 2014, a decision was made to switch Flint’s water
source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. Since then, the city has
faced unending water woes. After numerous boil advisories and a
violation of TTHM (total trihalomenthane) levels, our water became
discolored, and I decided to educate myself on everything water and
water distribution. Eventually we had the water tested properly and it
came back at 2.5 times the level of hazardous waste. It was after that
and reading the monthly operational reports that I learned that
officials were breaking a federal law. They denied it and threatened me
with Child Protective Services if I didn’t bow to their wants. They
wanted me to sign a document stating I would never pursue them for
poisoning my son. They even offered me money. Then, when trying to
figure out what I should expect from my son (who also has a compromised
immune system) being lead poisoned, I was told by a state nurse that it
was nothing. “Just a few IQ points—it’s not the end of the world.”
With the local, state, and federal government against us, my family
forged ahead and with the help of Marc Edwards and his Virginia Tech
team led a sampling of almost 300 homes. This sampling proved there was
a city-wide problem. Because of everything that has happened, I have now
become a water activist and citizen scientist. The breaking of a federal
law in Flint makes what happened an anomaly, but there is still a
nation-wide problem. There are lead pipes throughout the country and
almost every state allows testing with loopholes. We need to keep a
conversation about lead at the forefront to help protect this nation’s
children. I’m here to answer any questions you have about my experience
and what I learned. Also, I make an appearance in PBS NOVA’s new film
about the Flint crisis, called “Poisoned Water,” which you can watch
online for free here. They also made a video profile of me for their
website. Finally, here are both parts to an interview I did with
Constantine Cannon. I’ll be back at 1pm EST to answer your questions.
AMA!