Flint lead crisis gives rise to policy promoting water purity

The AMA took vigorous action in response to lead contamination in the water in Flint, Mich., with extensive policy intended to promote public health and safety not only in that city but across the nation. Making a clear connection between Flint’s crisis and the health of all Americans, the AMA adopted policy Tuesday at the 2016 AMA Annual Meeting, encouraging the timely removal of lead services lines, public availability of water test results, regular testing of water at schools, daycares and health care facilities, and more. “We must do everything in our power to ensure that another Flint-like water crisis never happens again,” incoming AMA President Andrew W. Gurman, MD, said in a news release. “To truly ensure that our nation’s water supply is safe and free of lead, we are calling for measures to actively monitor the drinking water within our communities, require timely notification to the public when lead levels are high, and completely move away from a lead-based plumbing infrastructure.” The new policy calls for:  Removing in a timely manner lead service lines and other leaded plumbing materials that come into contact with drinking water   Requiring public water systems to establish a mechanism for consumers to access information on lead service line locations   Informing consumers about the health risks of partial lead service line replacement   Requiring the inclusion of schools, licensed daycare and health care settings am...
Source: AMA Wire - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Source Type: news