Reference no: EM133274638

Assignment:

Make a comment on this post. Include at least 2 references.

The nature of the environmental concern I have selected is lead water poisoning, with a focus on the Flint, Michigan lead water contamination crisis of 2014. The presence of any contaminants in our water supply is a problem, but lead poisoning bring special concerns, such as neurological defects in the general population, including the unborn. Studies have shown that lead poisoning is also a cause of cadiovascular, reproductive and kidney issues ( Fortenberry et al, 2016). The Flint water crisis had an impact on nursing by highlighting the importance of community nursing. When the crisis hit, nurses educated the public about water safety, distributed bottled water and water testing kits. Water contamination doesn't discriminate, but the almost nonexistant response from city officials showed a certain level of apathy towards Flint's socioeconomically disadvantaged population. The role of nurses (and physicians) as whistleblowers brough national attention to this crisis. My rationale for taking a position against lead water poisoning should be obvious.

As per my paper, "The fact that the Flint water crisis was proceeded by a similar episode in Washington, D.C., and followed by another in Newark, New Jersey (Abbasi, 2021) highlights the need for viable policy change to prevent recurrence of such events". The work of nurse advocates will help to prevent further tragedies.