Some In Flint Think The Lead Water Crisis Is A Hoax

Via The Salt Lake Tribune: Even as authorities are still advising residents in Flint, Mich., not to drink or bathe in the city’s tap water, leaving thousands to rely on bottled water to survive, some of the state’s prominent political voices think Flint’s water crisis may be exaggerated.

Foremost among them is Oakland County Republican Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who voiced skepticism about the severity of the crisis during an appearance before the Detroit Economic Club luncheon Tuesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.

“I don’t think we should say or use words anymore like ‘Flint’s been poisoned,’ ” Patterson told reporters. “Because I don’t think that’s accurate. I’ve been using words like ‘Flint’s been poisoned,’ and I won’t use that anymore because I think the jury is out,” he added.

According to the World Health Organization, “Lead affects children’s brain development resulting in reduced intelligence quotient [IQ], behavioral changes such as shortening of attention span and increased antisocial behavior, and reduced educational attainment.