Great Poisonings of the World Lecture 15: The Poisonings of Michigan – Flint & Cattlegate

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to the Flint and Cattlegate poisonings.

Flint Water Crisis

An environmental disaster in Flint, Michigan caused by lead contamination in drinking water due to the city’s switch to a corrosive water source without corrosion control.

Lead and Copper Rule (LCR)

A regulation established in 1991 to minimize lead and copper levels in drinking water by reducing water corrosivity, with an actionable lead level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Corrosion Control Measures

Techniques employed to prevent the leaching of lead and other metals from pipes, including adjustments to pH and the addition of corrosion inhibitors.

Trihalomethanes

Chemical compounds that can form when chlorine disinfectants react with organic materials in water; they are considered carcinogenic.

Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)

A group of toxic chemicals that were used as flame retardants and can disrupt endocrine function; linked to severe environmental and health issues after contamination incidents.

Legionnaires’ disease

A severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacterium Legionella, which became a public health crisis in Flint during the water contamination period.

Chemical Substitution

An unintended process in which a harmful substance is used instead of a safe one, leading to catastrophic outcomes, as seen with the PBB contamination in cattle feed.

Endocrine disruptor

A substance that interferes with hormonal systems, often leading to reproductive and developmental issues in humans and wildlife.

Community Outreach

Efforts made to engage and inform the public regarding health risks and safety measures in response to environmental crises such as the Flint Water Crisis.

Environmental Justice

The movement that seeks to address and correct environmental policies that disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities.