Michigan has expanded its Get Ahead of Lead initiative to all eligible households statewide, offering free certified lead-reducing drinking water filters and replacement cartridges, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
Households qualify if a child under age 19 enrolled in Medicaid or a pregnant Medicaid enrollee lives in the home and the residence has, or may have, lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line, or faucets or fittings sold before 2014.
"Michigan is committed to protecting families from lead exposure by working with communities across the state to reduce or eliminate sources of lead in the home," said Amy Epkey, MDHHS acting director.
The agency recommends using a certified lead-reducing filter if a home has, or occupants are unsure if it has, lead or galvanized plumbing, a lead service line, or pre-2014 faucets and fittings. The agency also recommends keeping water moving through daily activities, cleaning faucet aerators at least every six months, and running water until it is cold before using it for drinking or cooking.
Lead exposure can come from paint in homes built before 1978, household dust, soil, drinking water from older plumbing, certain jobs and hobbies, and some imported goods. Lead exposure can affect learning, behavior, growth and development in children.