A recently published report titled: “Economic Impact of Lead Exposure and Remediation in Michigan” by the University of Michigan School of Public Health’s Risk Science Center is the first Michigan study comparing the cost of dealing with lead poisoned children after the fact versus preventing the problem in the first place. The study analyzed four major lead poisoning impact areas for increased expenditures and decreased lifetime earnings related to lead contaminated children.
1. Health Care costs: over $18 million annually
2. Crime Rates (adults and children): $105 million annually
3. Lifetime Earnings Decline: $206 million annually
4. Special Education: $2.5 million annually