Flint Facts
Which river was used as a temporary water source, causing the crisis?
The Flint River
What term describes the disproportionate environmental harm faced by marginalized communities?
Environmental injustice
What federal law is designed to ensure safe drinking water for Americans?
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)
What is the primary toxin that contaminated Flint's water and caused severe health problems?
Lead
Which level of government was responsible for managing Flint's water supply when the crisis occurred?
State-appointed emergency managers
What year did Flint switch its water supply to the Flint River?
2014
Which major civil rights organization called out the racial and economic injustice of Flint’s water crisis?
The NAACP
Which federal agency oversees the Safe Drinking Water Act?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Which age group is most vulnerable to lead exposure?
Children (especially under 6 years old)
Which local government body was overruled when they voted to switch back to the Detroit water system?
Flint City Council
Approximately what percentage of Flint’s population is Black or African American?
Which term did Pulido use to describe the economic system that exploits marginalized communities through racism and capitalism?
Racial capitalism
What key safety treatment was Flint Water Treatment Plant supposed to use but failed to implement?
Corrosion control treatment
What health problems can result from lead poisoning in children?
Brain damage, lower IQ, behavioral issues, anemia
Who appointed Flint’s emergency managers?
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder
Which auto company stopped using Flint River water because it was too corrosive?
General Motors (GM)
Which agency defines environmental justice as the fair treatment of all people regardless of race or income in environmental decisions?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
In 2015, this EPA staff member raised the alarm about Flint’s lead levels, leading to public awareness and subsequent investigation
Miguel Del Toral
What are the long-term effects of lead exposure in adults?
Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems, and potentially cancer.
Which government official apologized in January 2016 for Flint’s water crisis?
Governor Rick Snyder
How long did Flint residents go without safe drinking water before officials acted?
About 16 months
How does the Flint crisis reflect broader patterns of environmental racism?
Marginalized, predominantly Black, and poor communities were disproportionately affected due to lack of political and economic power.
This Michigan law allowed the governor to appoint Emergency Fiscal Managers to prioritize financial solvency over local governance, contributing to the Flint water decision.
Michigan’s Public Act 436
Which waterborne disease caused additional deaths during the Flint crisis?
Legionnaires’ disease
What role did the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) play in the delay of solving Flint's crisis?
The EPA failed to act promptly despite being aware of the contamination in 2015.