Iowa
Lead threat prompts call for greater action – Iowa Capital Dispatch
Final 12 months, 728 children in Davenport examined constructive for lead of their blood. And whereas well being specialists say no quantity of lead is protected for teenagers, public well being authorities took their most stringent motion in solely a fraction of these circumstances.
Simply 9 circumstances met the brink to assign a case supervisor to coordinate companies and work with the households to make sure decrease lead ranges in these kids.
Iowa has lengthy had an issue with lead publicity, a lot of it as a result of lead-based paint that continues to be in its older housing inventory. That downside is very vital for kids, who’re at better threat of neurological issues from being uncovered to guide. And with the federal authorities reducing a key metric aimed, partly, at figuring out whether or not medical or environmental motion ought to be initiated to assist children testing constructive, a researcher on the College of Iowa says the state must do extra to struggle the issue.
That features, he mentioned, reducing the extent at which motion is taken in circumstances the place children take a look at constructive for lead.
“We must be open and trustworthy about the place we’re as a state,” mentioned David Cwiertny, a professor of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Heart for Well being Results of Environmental Contamination on the College of Iowa.
A nationwide research printed final 12 months in JAMA Pediatrics mentioned Iowa ranked fourth within the nation within the share of its kids testing constructive for lead within the bloodstream. The report mentioned 76% of Iowa children examined constructive between 2018 and 2020.
The research matched blood exams from 1.1 million children, carried out by Quest Diagnostics, with knowledge from the U.S. Census Bureau. It discovered that a number of Midwest states had considerably increased proportion of lead-positive children than the nationwide common of 51%.
Since 2008, Iowa has required that younger kids get examined for lead. In 2021, about 7,800 Iowa children beneath the age of 6 had a confirmed constructive take a look at.
When an Iowa baby does take a look at constructive, the state notifies the household and offers details about the hazards of lead poisoning and methods to stop it within the dwelling, together with scheduling a follow-up take a look at, mentioned Kevin Officer, childhood lead poisoning prevention program supervisor on the Iowa Division of Well being and Human Providers.
When lead ranges hit 10 micrograms per deciliter within the blood, the state additionally takes additional motion, assigning a case supervisor to coordinate companies with the household to make sure blood lead ranges go down.
At 15 micrograms, a house go to is organized to evaluate the kid’s wants and decide the doable supply of publicity, amongst different companies.
Federal authorities sharpens lead focus
Nationally, the federal authorities is making adjustments to the way it offers with lead poisoning.
A 12 months in the past, the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention modified what it calls its Blood Lead Reference Worth, the purpose the place a baby has extra lead in his or her blood than 97.5% of U.S. kids between 1 and 5 years previous. The brand new reference worth is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter. Beforehand, it was 5 micrograms.
The terminology has modified through the years, however the federal authorities has been persistently reducing the extent at which the presence of lead in childhood bloodstreams ought to immediate concern.
Some states even have lowered the degrees at which they take motion.
In Illinois, for instance, the state modified its legislation in order that starting in 2019, public well being authorities assign a case supervisor to teach households in regards to the risks of lead and carry out a house inspection at 5 micrograms per deciliter, fairly than the earlier 10.
Iowa has not lowered its degree. Altering its 10-microgram benchmark to the Blood Lead Reference Worth of three.5 micrograms would “considerably enhance” the variety of kids who would require companies, Officer mentioned in an e-mail, and on the present degree of funding the state wouldn’t be capable of present the help to native public well being packages to fulfill the demand.
The state childhood lead program finances, which incorporates state and federal funds, hasn’t elevated in additional than 20 years, he mentioned.
Based on state figures, almost 1,000 Iowa kids had confirmed blood lead ranges at or above 3.5 micrograms per deciliter in 2021, whereas 263 Iowa kids had confirmed blood ranges at or above 10 micrograms.
Nonetheless, Officer mentioned the state sees constructive outcomes when mother and father are notified and knowledgeable.
“Iowa persistently sees blood lead ranges lower after mother and father are educated on lead poisoning and what they will do to stop or reduce future lead poisoning,” Officer mentioned. “Empowering mother and father to be the primary line of protection for his or her baby is extra impactful on decreasing lead ranges, particularly at decrease ranges.”
Nonetheless, Cwiertny mentioned he believes Iowa ought to take extra motion in lower-level circumstances, and it ought to commit the cash to combating the issue. “We want extra funding on this, by way of the people who find themselves educated in having the ability to work with households” and to do dwelling inspections, he mentioned. He added there additionally must be higher and extra constant messaging in regards to the lead menace.
Flint raised lead issues in public
Public consciousness of the specter of lead poisoning rose in 2014 when the folks of Flint, Michigan, had been uncovered to elevated ranges of lead in its ingesting water.
Since then, the federal authorities has devoted extra consideration to coping with lead in water techniques, together with the allocation of billions of {dollars} within the American Rescue Plan of 2021 to interchange lead water strains that the federal government believes are a major supply of the issue. The U.S. Environmental Safety Company has estimated that 20% or extra of an individual’s complete publicity to guide may be as a consequence of ingesting water.
In Iowa, the emphasis has traditionally been on lead-based paint.
Though it was banned in 1978, lead-based paint nonetheless is a menace due to Iowa’s older housing inventory. A number of public sources have estimated that 60% of Iowa’s housing inventory was constructed earlier than 1960.
In Scott County alone, roughly 41,000 houses had been constructed earlier than 1978, and an area survey estimated 5 years in the past that about 5,000 houses within the oldest elements of Davenport had been at “excessive threat” of lead-based paint.
The specter of lead poisoning isn’t simply restricted to Iowa, in fact. The research printed in JAMA Pediatrics mentioned that in Missouri, 82% of youngsters examined constructive for lead. In Nebraska, it was 83%. In Illinois, 68% of youngsters examined constructive for lead.
Illinois has made adjustments lately to attempt to take care of the lead subject.
State lawmakers modified the legislation in order that, starting in 2019, the state motion degree for lead would kick in at 5 micrograms per deciliter; beforehand, it was 10 micrograms. The state additionally imposed better lead testing necessities for kids. In Illinois, all children 6 years previous and youthful should be assessed for lead threat. Physicians additionally should carry out a blood take a look at for kids who dwell in high-risk areas or meet different standards, in response to the Illinois Division of Public Well being website online.
In Rock Island County, which is a part of the Quad-Cities, virtually each baby is examined for lead earlier than going to high school, in response to Janet Hill, chief working officer for the Rock Island County Well being Division.
Hill mentioned Rock Island County noticed a rise within the variety of children requiring companies as soon as the state lowered its motion ranges.
In 2018, there have been 133 circumstances that met the motion degree standards. By way of mid-December of this 12 months, the quantity requiring motion elevated to 298 circumstances.
Hill says the state supplied funding to dedicate to extra part-time assist to take care of the elevated variety of circumstances, and that has been enough. “We’re capable of sustain with our case load,” she mentioned.
Whether or not the supply is ingesting water, soils or lead-based paint, Cwiertny mentioned Iowa and different states want to position extra emphasis on combatting lead poisoning. And relating to taking motion, sooner is healthier than later. “We shouldn’t be glad with 10 (micrograms) or 5, however we must always push for three-and-a-half and beneath as a result of the overwhelming proof is that even these decrease ranges can have impairment on IQ and neurodevelopment,” he mentioned.
Nebraska heads to Iowa City on Friday for the annual Black Friday matchup against the Hawkeyes. At 6-5, the Huskers are bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. Iowa comes into the game at 7-4, having won three out of their last four. Of the two teams’ mutual opponents, Iowa lost to Ohio State 35-7, beat Wisconsin 42-10, and lost to UCLA 20-17.
On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here are three keys to victory for the Huskers, and two keys to victory for all the fellow Common Fans.
NEBRASKA’S KEYS TO VICTORY
Stop (or Slow Down) Kaleb Johnson. After having an atrocious offense last season, Iowa is back to being respectable on the offensive side of the ball, especially when it comes to the run game. The Hawkeyes boast the #13 rushing offense in the nation. Starter Kaleb Johnson has rushed for 1,492 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He is legitimately one of the best backs in the country. What’s more, Iowa is on their fourth starting quarterback of the season. While there have been some rumblings this week that Cade McNamara and/or Brendan Sullivan–both of whom have started games under center this year–would play on Friday, it sounds like Jackson Stratton will be the guy. Stratton attempted a total of 14 passes last weekend against Maryland, completing 10 for 76 yards. Considering the strength of Nebraska’s defense has been stopping the run all season long, this matchup should favor the Huskers. But it’s Iowa, so who knows. If the Big Red can contain Iowa’s run game, I like their chances to win the game.
More of That Offense, Please. Iowa teams of recent years have been known for great defense. Not just great defense – they have had some elite defensive units. This year’s Hawkeye defense is perhaps not quite as dominant as what we’ve seen in recent years, but they’re still very good. They come into the game ranked #17 nationally in total defense, #12 in scoring defense, and #26 in rushing defense. They have been susceptible to giving up the big play, and currently rank #41 in opponent yards per play, after finishing the 2023 season at #1 in that category.
What will we see out of Nebraska’s offensive unit this week? Are we going to see the squad that had its way with Wisconsin? Or will we see the unit that struggled to move the ball for most of the year? If new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen can sprinkle a little more magic on the Nebraska offense, perhaps they can get out to a lead and take Iowa out of their comfort zone.
Make Special Teams Special. Another defining characteristic of Iowa teams in recent years has been outstanding special teams play. On the other side of the equation, all Common Fans know that Nebraska’s special teams play has struggled for most of this season. That said, against Wisconsin, Jacorey Barney had a 45 yard kickoff return to set up Nebraska’s first scoring drive, and place kicker John Hohl was 3-for-3 on field goals. Progress.
Can someone make a game changing play against the Hawkeyes? Can the Huskers at least make sure special teams doesn’t hurt them on Friday?
COMMON FAN KEYS
Soak It In. This is painful to say, but it’s the first time in eight years that Nebraska will be playing Iowa with bowl eligibility already secured. Husker fans don’t have to hold our breath, stressing that the team’s postseason fate rides on this game. I’d love nothing more than to see the Big Red pick up where they left off against Wisconsin, come out and pummel the Hawkeyes. But whatever happens, this isn’t the end of the road for the Huskers.
At least for me, the Iowa game has emerged as a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. Iowa is the closest thing we have to a rival since joining the Big Ten. Embrace it. Enjoy it. We’re going bowling this year, no matter what happens against Iowa. So load up with some leftover turkey and mashed potatoes, maybe an extra piece of pie, and enjoy the ride, Husker fans.
Going to Kinnick? Common Fan Podcast co-host Matty O was in the house for the Wisconsin game, and after the win, pulled the trigger on tickets for the Black Friday battle against Iowa. He and his son will be making the trek to Iowa City on Friday. That’s the impact of beating the Badgers, getting to bowl eligibility, and starting to believe in this program again.
Are any other Common Fans out there going to be in the house? Hats off to anyone representing the Big Red in enemy territory. And, if you are going to be there on Friday, we’d love to hear from you. Send us an email to commonfangbr@gmail.com or hit us up on social media (@commonfangbr on X) to share your experience. Send pictures, stories, smart remarks…whatever you’ve got! Let’s go 1-0 this week and beat those Hawkeyes!
As always, GBR for LIFE.
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LOS ANGELES – Senior Michelle Urquhart set Iowa’s single-season service aces record in the Hawkeyes’ 3-1 loss to UCLA on Wednesday night at Pauley Pavilion. Iowa drops to 10-21 overall and 4-15 in the Big Ten.
Urquhart needed two aces to surpass the single-season rally scoring era record set by Becky Walters in 2010. With the third set tied at 10-10, Urquhart dropped in a soft serve to secure her 42nd ace on the season.
The senior from Virginia Beach, Virginia, also recorded a double-double, registering 13 kills and 12 digs. Freshman Dominique Phills and sophomore Hannah Whittingstall were in double-figures with 12 and 10 kills, respectively. Phills was a spark off the bench, drilling five kills in the opening set.
Senior libero Joy Galles notched a career high in digs, finishing with 24. She neared a double-double, tallying eight assists.
MATCH SUMMARY
SET ONE (UCLA, 25-23)
After trading points early on, the Hawkeyes strung together three consecutive points to take a 5-3 lead, courtesy of a kill and ace from Urquhart. UCLA answered with a run, pushing ahead 13-8. Phills was a spark off the bench, helping Iowa pull within two on several occasions. The Hawkeyes rallied all the way back in the opener, tying the set at 23-23 before the Bruins capitalized on back-to-back kills to win the set. UCLA had only one attacking error in the first set, while Iowa had seven.
SET TWO (UCLA, 25-11)
Despite gaining momentum at the end of the first set, Iowa fell behind 9-1 to begin the second. A timeout slowed the Bruins’ progress, but they gained early control of the set. Iowa chipped away in the middle of the set on terminations from Phills and UCLA errors. UCLA ended the set on a 5-0 run.
SET THREE (IOWA, 25-23)
Iowa quickly regrouped for a competitive set in the third. A kill from Whittingstall and ace from freshman Jenna Meitzler kept the pressure on UCLA early. Urquhart notched her record-setting ace, breaking a 10-10 tie in the third set. The teams headed into the media timeout with UCLA leading, 15-14. It wasn’t until late in the set before Iowa pulled away, using a 3-0 run to go up by two at 20-18, courtesy of kills from freshman Malu Garcia and Phills. After a UCLA timeout fueled back-to-back points for the Bruins, Iowa sealed the set with a kill from Whittingstall and error from UCLA.
Mickey’s record-setting ace! 💛#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/PlUu17YR2R
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗲𝘀 👑
With Michelle’s second ace tonight, she has set the program record for service aces in a season during the rally scoring era (42).#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/fimM7XstTc
— Iowa Volleyball (@IowaVolleyball) November 28, 2024
SET FOUR (UCLA, 25-15)
UCLA recovered and regained momentum, leading 6-2 to begin set four. A pair of kills from Urquhart and a termination from Garcia brought Iowa back within one at 7-6. The Hawkeyes stayed within striking distance but could not take the lead in the set. The Bruins used a run in the middle of the set to take control. A block from senior Anna Davis and Garcia stopped the run at 19-13. UCLA finished the set on a 5-1 run to win the match.
UP NEXT: Iowa heads across town for its season finale, battling No. 20 USC on Friday evening. First serve is set for 9 p.m. (CT) from the Galen Center. The match will be broadcast on B1G+ and the Hawkeye Radio Network.
Former Iowa Hawkeyes star George Kittle is in the midst of what has to be the most trying season of his NFL career.
Kittle’s San Francisco 49ers—who were Super Bowl contenders heading into 2024—fell to just 5-6 with their loss to the Green Bay Packer this past Sunday, further hindering their playoff chances.
However, the tight end is not giving up hope in the midst of severe adversity.
“My optimism is not broken by any means,” Kittle told reporters. “We still have a lot of very talented players. We will get some guys back. And I still have full trust in the coaching staff to put our guys in position to make plays, and I got no worry about that. But definitely an uphill grind, and going to see what we’re made of, which I’m looking forward to.”
You have to love Kittle’s fighting spirit, but it seems hard to imagine the 49ers righting the ship in their current predicament.
San Francisco is dealing with a plethora of injury issues up and down the roster, which includes quarterback Brock Purdy, who missed the Packers game with a shoulder problem.
Kittle himself had a strong performance in Week 12, logging six catches for 82 yards and a touchdown. He has also been his usual impressive self overall this season, totaling 49 receptions for 642 yards and eight scores in nine appearances.
But not even Kittle can save the Niners from all of their current troubles.
The 49ers will face the Buffalo Bills in a matchup that could ultimately decide their playoff fate this Sunday.
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