Ep 6. The Lead Paint Crisis
- TV-14
- April 14, 2019
- 41 min
In Finding Justice season 1 episode 6 titled "The Lead Paint Crisis," viewers are taken on a journey to investigate the devastating effects of lead paint poisoning on children in low-income communities. The episode explores the failure of government officials, landlords, and paint companies to address the dangers of lead paint in homes and how this negligence has disproportionately affected communities of color.
The episode begins with activists in New York City protesting lead poisoning in low-income neighborhoods. We learn of the devastating effects of lead paint on young children, including neurological damage, developmental delays, and behavioral problems. The show features interviews with parents whose children have been affected, as well as doctors and public health officials.
The hosts of the show, attorney Benjamin Crump, journalist Bakari Sellers, and activist Sherrilyn Ifill, travel to Baltimore and Detroit, two cities with particularly high rates of lead poisoning. They meet with families who have been impacted by lead poisoning and explore the root causes of the issue.
In Baltimore, the hosts meet with attorney Saul Kerpelman, who filed a class-action lawsuit against the city on behalf of children with elevated lead levels. The show explores the history of lead paint in Baltimore, dating back to the early 1900s and the devastating effects it has had on the city's children. Viewers also see Kerpelman and his team in action, as they visit homes with high levels of lead paint and work to hold landlords accountable for remediation.
In Detroit, the hosts meet with community organizations, including Soulardarity and the East Michigan Environmental Action Council, who are working to address the lead crisis in the city. They visit homes with high levels of lead paint and learn about the challenges faced by residents, including poverty and lack of resources. Viewers also see how grassroots organizations are filling the gaps left by ineffective government agencies.
Throughout the episode, Finding Justice explores the systemic issues that have led to the lead paint crisis, including racism, economic inequality, and government neglect. The show highlights the need for systemic change to address this issue, including stronger regulations on lead paint, increased funding for remediation efforts, and more resources for affected families.
Overall, Finding Justice season 1 episode 6 The Lead Paint Crisis sheds light on a critical public health issue and the need for urgent action. Through interviews with families affected by lead poisoning, attorneys, and community activists, viewers are presented with a powerful call to action to address the issue of lead paint poisoning and its impact on low-income communities, particularly communities of color.