While large-scale infrastructure fixes and legal settlements take time, there are steps families can take right now to reduce the risk of lead exposure — especially for children and pregnant women.
1. Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking
Hot water is more likely to pull lead from pipes and plumbing materials.
- Always use cold tap water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula
- Heat water on the stove or in the microwave instead of using hot tap water
2. Flush Your Tap Before Use
If water has been sitting in pipes for several hours:
- Run the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using it
- This helps clear water that may have absorbed lead from pipes
3. Use a Certified Water Filter
Not all filters remove lead. Look for:
- NSF/ANSI Standard 53 or 58 certification (specifically for lead reduction)
- Filters installed at the faucet, under the sink, or point-of-entry systems for whole-home protection
- Regular filter replacement according to manufacturer instructions
(Pitchers alone may not be sufficient in high-risk areas.)
4. Get Your Water Tested
Even if a city reports improvements, lead can vary by home depending on plumbing.
- Request testing through your local health department
- Consider private testing for faster results, especially in older homes
5. Reduce Lead Dust in the Home
Lead doesn’t only come from water — dust from old paint and soil can also be a major source.
- Wet-mop floors and wipe surfaces regularly
- Remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in contaminated soil
- Wash children’s hands and toys often
6. Support Healthy Nutrition
Certain nutrients can help reduce the body’s absorption of lead:
- Calcium (milk, yogurt, leafy greens)
- Iron (beans, lean meats, fortified cereals)
- Vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers)
A well-balanced diet doesn’t eliminate lead exposure, but it can help lower health risks.
7. Have Children Tested for Lead
Blood lead testing is the only way to know if exposure has occurred.
- Pediatricians can order tests
- Many states offer free or low-cost screening for young children
- Early detection allows for early intervention
8. Stay Informed and Advocate
Community awareness matters.
- Follow local water updates and testing reports
- Attend city meetings or community forums
- Support infrastructure funding and transparency efforts
Prevention Is Key
The Benton Harbor crisis — and the broader Southwest Michigan settlement — underscores an uncomfortable truth: lead exposure is preventable, yet it continues to affect communities when infrastructure and oversight fail.
Until every home has safe pipes and clean water, knowledge and prevention remain powerful tools for protecting families — especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
