Lead Levels in Michigan Kids’ Blood Prompts State of Emergency (Source newser.com) Flint, Mich., drew its water from the Flint River for about 18 months after ditching Detroit’s water service—but that was enough time to cause lead levels in local kids to spike, which has now led the mayor to declare a state of emergency, Michigan Live reports. Mayor Karen Weaver told the Flint City Council Monday that the city needs federal help in dealing with the crisis. Genesee County first declared a public health emergencyafter a study found that from April 2014 to October 2015, the percentage of babies and children with lead levels in their blood that were higher than average almost doubled throughout the city, while those in particularly high-risk areas saw that percentage almost triple, per Michigan Live. The city is once again hooked up to the Detroit water system, but fears remain high: The WHO notes the “neurological and [behavioral] effects of lead are believed to be irreversible,” adding that affected kids can suffer mental retardation, disruptive behavior, and even coma and death.