Study: 14 percent of Highland Park kids under 6 test positive for lead

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. (WJBK) - The Flint water crisis showed that nothing flowing out of the tap should be taken for granted,

"We're in the 21st century and we are still talking about lead and it still exists in our neighborhood," said Jake Lucas, grandfather of three.

Lucas is concerned for all the kids, but especially his three grandkids who live in Highland Park. His concern is growing after a recent study by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services found that 14 percent of kids in Highland Park under the age of 6 tested for lead, came back positive.
 
That translates to one out seven kids in the city - that's the highest percentage in the state. 

FOX 2: "Have you ever had your kids tested for lead?"

"Yes I have and I'm waiting on the results now," said Angie, a mother of six in Highland Park.

One father of 13 kids says lead is also on his mind more than it should be. 

"You're making their bottles and you are not knowing what is going on," he said. "Then they come up with lead poisoning and you don't know which way to go," Gibson said.

But the question on the minds of parents is what now?

"What do I do," Angie said. "I continue to buy bottled water and take them back to the doctor and make sure everything is going (okay) according to their health."

"I want to protect the kids for our future," said Lucas. "I want our kids to live prosperous like every one of us. Please protect us, help us."

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, this year the Wayne County Health Department received $107,000 for outreach and education for children being exposed to lead in the county and an additional $41,250 for prevention, with a focus on Highland Park and Hamtramck.

Like Highland Park, Hamtramck saw an increase in children testing positive for lead back in 2016. The findings were just released by the Department of Health and Human Services this week. 

The Highland Park city spokesperson says they are not prepared to give a statement on the findings at this time.