107-546: Benton Harbor is a city in Berrien County in the U.S. state of Michigan . It is 46 miles southwest of Kalamazoo and 71 miles southwest of Grand Rapids . According to the 2020 census , its population was 9,103. It is the smaller, by population, of the two principal cities in the Niles –Benton Harbor Metropolitan Statistical Area , an area with 156,813 people. Benton Harbor and the city of St. Joseph are separated by
214-532: A blood lead level of 10 μg/dL or above is a cause for concern; however, lead may impair development and have harmful health effects even at lower levels, and there is no known safe exposure level. Authorities such as the American Academy of Pediatrics define lead poisoning as blood lead levels higher than 10 μg/dL. Lead forms a variety of compounds and exists in the environment in various forms. Features of poisoning differ depending on whether
321-595: A given source. Furthermore, children, especially as they are learning to crawl and walk, are constantly on the floor and therefore more prone to ingesting and inhaling dust that is contaminated with lead. The classic signs and symptoms in children are loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, constipation, anemia, kidney failure, irritability, lethargy, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. Slow development of normal childhood behaviors, such as talking and use of words, and permanent intellectual disability are both commonly seen. Although less common, it
428-753: A lead liner to prevent the radiation from going through), fetal monitors, plumbing, circuit boards, jet engines, and ceramic glazes. In addition, lead miners and smelters, plumbers and fitters, auto mechanics, glass manufacturers, construction workers, battery manufacturers and recyclers , firing range workers, and plastic manufacturers are at risk for lead exposure. Other occupations that present lead exposure risks include welding , manufacture of rubber, printing, zinc and copper smelting, processing of ore , combustion of solid waste , and production of paints and pigments. Lead exposure can also occur with intense use of gun ranges , regardless of whether these ranges are indoor or out. Parents who are exposed to lead in
535-562: A link between leaded gasoline and crime rates. Man-made lead pollution has been elevated in the air for the past 2000 years. Lead pollution in the air is entirely due to human activity (mining and smelting, as well as in gasoline). In adults, occupational exposure is the main cause of lead poisoning. People can be exposed when working in facilities that produce a variety of lead-containing products; these include radiation shields , ammunition, certain surgical equipment, developing dental X-ray films prior to digital X-rays (each film packet had
642-444: A major way for lead to be inhaled, invade the bloodstream and pass into the brain. The use of lead in gasoline peaked in the 1970s. By the next decade most high-income countries prohibited the use of leaded petrol. As late as 2002, almost all low- and middle-income countries, including some OECD members, still used it. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) thus launched a campaign in 2002 to eliminate its use, leading to Algeria being
749-525: A police department. The city is served by two institutions, Benton Harbor Area Schools within the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency , and Lake Michigan College , a two-year community college just east of Benton Harbor. Whirlpool Corporation , the world's largest manufacturer of major home appliances, has its corporate headquarters in nearby Benton Charter Township , along with a new Riverview campus near
856-545: A police officer, crashed into a building and died. As many as 300 state troopers and law enforcement personnel from neighboring communities were called to Benton Harbor. Indirectly, the riot contributed to the Jimmy Carter Work Project's 2005 activities being held in Benton Harbor and Detroit . A state task force produced a report in 2003. As with the 2014–2019 public health crisis involving
963-432: A result of central scotoma , caused by toxic optic neuritis . A pregnant woman who has elevated blood lead levels is at greater risk of a premature birth or with a low birth weight. Children are more at risk for lead poisoning because their smaller bodies are in a continuous state of growth and development. Young children are much more vulnerable to lead poisoning, as they absorb 4 to 5 times more lead than an adult from
1070-523: A substitute for chlorine disinfectants due to fewer health concerns, increase corrositivity. In the US, 14–20% of total lead exposure is attributed to drinking water . In 2004, a team of seven reporters from The Washington Post discovered high levels of lead in the drinking water in Washington, DC , and won an award for investigative reporting for a series of articles about this contamination. In
1177-636: A trading post on the river, in present–day Niles Charter Township . In December 1822, missionary Isaac McCoy moved his family and 18 Indian students from Indiana to the St. Joseph River near present-day Niles, Michigan , to open a religious mission (the Carey Mission ) to the Potawatomi Indians, 160 km from the nearest White settlement. In 1827 St. Joseph Township was organized as part of Wayne County, It included all lands acquired from
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#17327733894781284-427: A variety of symptoms and signs which vary depending on the individual and the duration of lead exposure. Symptoms are nonspecific and may be subtle, and someone with elevated lead levels may have no symptoms. Symptoms usually develop over weeks to months as lead builds up in the body during a chronic exposure, but acute symptoms from brief, intense exposures also occur. Symptoms from exposure to organic lead, which
1391-469: Is a common cause of lead poisoning in adults with certain occupations at particular risk. Diagnosis is typically by measurement of the blood lead level . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US) has set the upper limit for blood lead for adults at 10 μg/dL (10 μg/100 g) and for children at 3.5 μg/dL; before October 2021 the limit was 5 μg/dL. Elevated lead may also be detected by changes in red blood cells or dense lines in
1498-742: Is a decrease of 5,640 people from the 2000 United States Census , or a 3.5% population decrease. In 2010 there were 63,054 households and 41,585 families in the county. The population density was 276.2 per square mile (106.6 square kilometers). There were 76,922 housing units at an average density of 135.5 per square mile (52.3 square kilometers). 78.3% of the population were White , 15.3% Black or African American , 1.6% Asian , 0.5% Native American , 0.1% Pacific Islander , 1.8% of some other race and 2.4% of two or more races . 4.5% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 29.0% were of German , 7.4% Irish , 6.8% English and 5.5% American ancestry. There were 63,054 households, 29.6% of which had children under
1605-410: Is a major route of lead exposure in children. A study conducted in 1998–2000 found that 38 million housing units in the US had lead-based paint, down from a 1990 estimate of 64 million. Deteriorating lead paint can produce dangerous lead levels in household dust and soil. Deteriorating lead paint and lead-containing household dust are the main causes of chronic lead poisoning. The lead breaks down into
1712-428: Is a pattern of symptoms that occur with toxic effects from mid to high levels of exposure; toxicity is a wider spectrum of effects, including subclinical ones (those that do not cause symptoms). However, professionals often use "lead poisoning" and "lead toxicity" interchangeably, and official sources do not always restrict the use of "lead poisoning" to refer only to symptomatic effects of lead. The amount of lead in
1819-424: Is also a threat. Ceramic glaze often contains lead, and dishes that have been improperly fired can leach the metal into food, potentially causing severe poisoning. In some places, the solder in cans used for food contains lead. When manufacturing medical instruments and hardware, solder containing lead may be present. People who eat animals hunted with lead bullets may be at risk for lead exposure. Bullets lodged in
1926-429: Is also correlated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and anti-social behaviour . Elevated lead levels in children are correlated with higher scores on aggression and delinquency measures. A correlation has also been found between prenatal and early childhood lead exposure and violent crime in adulthood. Countries with the highest air lead levels have also been found to have
2033-446: Is associated with three main types of symptoms: gastrointestinal , neuromuscular , and neurological . Central nervous system and neuromuscular symptoms usually result from intense exposure, while gastrointestinal symptoms usually result from exposure over longer periods. Signs of chronic exposure include loss of short-term memory or concentration, depression, nausea, abdominal pain, loss of coordination, and numbness and tingling in
2140-846: Is believed that the US ban on lead paint in buildings in the late 1970s, as well as the phaseout of leaded gasoline in the 1970s and 1980s, partially helped contribute to the decline of violent crime in the United States since the early 1990s. Lead is a common environmental pollutant. Causes of environmental contamination include lead-based paint that is deteriorating (e.g. peeling, chipping, chalking, cracking, damp or damage), renovation , repair or painting activities (disturbing or demolishing painted surfaces generate toxic lead dust ), industrial use of lead, such as found in facilities that process lead-acid batteries or produce lead wire or pipes, metal recycling and foundries, and burning of joss paper. Storage batteries and ammunition are made with
2247-481: Is commonly incorporated into herbal remedies such as Indian Ayurvedic preparations and remedies of Chinese origin. There are also risks of elevated blood lead levels caused by folk remedies like azarcon and greta , powders containing lead tetroxide and lead oxide, respectively, which each contain about 95% lead. Ingestion of metallic lead, such as small lead fishing lures, increases blood lead levels and can be fatal. Ingestion of lead-contaminated food
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#17327733894782354-455: Is generally safer to seal the lead paint under new paint (excepting moveable windows and doors, which create paint dust when operated). Alternatively, special precautions must be taken if the lead paint is to be removed. In oil painting , it was once common for colours such as yellow or white to be made with lead carbonate. Lead white oil colour was the main white of oil painters until superseded by compounds containing zinc or titanium in
2461-576: Is included in the Niles - Benton Harbor , MI Metropolitan Statistical Area , which is also included in the South Bend - Elkhart - Mishawaka , IN -MI Combined Statistical Area . The county is part of the Michiana region. As one of the Cabinet counties , Berrien County was named for John M. Berrien of Georgia , US Attorney General (1829–1831) under US President Andrew Jackson . The county
2568-479: Is known as saturnine gout . Evidence suggests lead exposure is associated with high blood pressure , and studies have also found connections between lead exposure and coronary heart disease , heart rate variability , and death from stroke, but this evidence is more limited. People who have been exposed to higher concentrations of lead may be at a higher risk for cardiac autonomic dysfunction on days when ozone and fine particles are higher. Lead affects both
2675-412: Is no apparent lower threshold to the dose-response relationship (unlike other heavy metals such as mercury ). Reduced academic performance has been associated with lead exposure even at blood lead levels lower than 5 μg/dL. Blood lead levels below 10 μg/dL have been reported to be associated with lower IQ and behavior problems such as aggression, in proportion with blood lead levels. Between
2782-551: Is not always the case, as there are several other reasons for lead contamination in soil. Lead content in soil may be caused by broken-down lead paint, residues from lead-containing gasoline, used engine oil, tire weights , or pesticides used in the past, contaminated landfills , or from nearby industries such as foundries or smelters. For example, in the Montevideo neighborhood of La Teja , former industrial sites became important sources of exposure in local communities in
2889-419: Is possible for fingernails to develop leukonychia striata if exposed to abnormally high lead concentrations. On July 30, 2020, a report by UNICEF and Pure Earth revealed that lead poisoning is affecting children on a "massive and previously unknown scale". According to the report, one in three children, up to 800 million globally, have blood lead levels at or above 5 micrograms per decilitre (μg/dL), which
2996-489: Is probably more toxic than inorganic lead due to its lipid solubility, occur rapidly. Poisoning by organic lead compounds has symptoms predominantly in the central nervous system, such as insomnia , delirium , cognitive deficits , tremor , hallucinations , and convulsions. Symptoms may be different in adults and children; the main symptoms in adults are headache, abdominal pain , memory loss , kidney failure , male reproductive problems, and weakness, pain, or tingling in
3103-478: Is served by The Herald-Palladium newspaper, whose offices are in nearby St. Joseph Township , and is part of the South Bend/Elkhart television market . The Benton Spirit community newspaper has also served the community for the past 10 years. The paper was acknowledged by former Governor Granholm's 2003 Benton Harbor Task Force Report as a key communications stakeholder that "proactively assists in
3210-820: Is served daily by Amtrak's Pere Marquette passenger train. Twin Cities Area Transportation Authority (TCATA) provides bus transit throughout Benton Harbor and the surrounding areas. Originally strictly a dial-a-ride service, it has recently expanded to include three fixed routes—Red Route, Green Route and Blue Route. Red Route serves Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, St. Joseph Charter Township, Lincoln Township, and Royalton Township. Blue and Green routes operate throughout Benton Harbor and Benton Township. Southwest Michigan Regional Airport provides non-commercial air service. Both Benton Harbor and neighboring St. Joseph are commercial ports that receive bulk goods from lake freighters . Benton Harbor
3317-432: Is the commonly-accepted threshold beyond which action is required. Lead affects every one of the body's organ systems, especially the nervous system, but also the bones and teeth, the kidneys, and the cardiovascular , immune , and reproductive systems . Hearing loss and tooth decay have been linked to lead exposure, as have cataracts . Intrauterine and neonatal lead exposure promote tooth decay. Aside from
Benton Harbor, Michigan - Misplaced Pages Continue
3424-567: The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services . According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has an area of 4.68 square miles (12.12 km), of which 4.43 square miles (11.47 km) is land and 0.25 square miles (0.65 km) is water. Benton Harbor has a humid continental climate ( Köppen : Dfa) that has very warm summers for the type and also less cold winters than many climates of
3531-659: The Native Americans by the 1821 Treaty of Chicago . The boundary of Berrien County was delineated by the Michigan Territory Legislature on October 29, 1829, with its present limits. For purposes of revenue, taxation and judicial matters, it was attached to Cass County , and was designated as Niles Township. This assignation was terminated in 1831 when Berrien County's government was organized and initiated. Berrien County began with three townships: In recent times, Berrien County, especially
3638-575: The St. Joseph River and are known locally as the " Twin Cities ". Fairplain and Benton Heights are unincorporated areas adjacent to Benton Harbor. Benton Harbor was founded by Henry C. Morton, Sterne Brunson and Charles Hull, who all now have or have had schools named after them. Benton Harbor was mainly wetlands bordered by the Paw Paw River , through which a canal was built, hence the "harbor" in
3745-617: The axons of nerve cells to degenerate and lose their myelin coats. Lead exposure in young children has been linked to learning disabilities , and children with blood lead concentrations greater than 10 μg/dL are in danger of developmental disabilities . Increased blood lead level in children has been correlated with decreases in intelligence , nonverbal reasoning, short-term memory , attention, reading and arithmetic ability, fine motor skills , emotional regulation , and social engagement . The effect of lead on children's cognitive abilities takes place at very low levels. There
3852-491: The circulatory system ) due to loss of water from the gastrointestinal tract. Hemolysis (the rupture of red blood cells ) due to acute poisoning can cause anemia and hemoglobin in the urine . Damage to kidneys can cause changes in urination such as acquired Fanconi syndrome and decreased urine output . People who survive acute poisoning often go on to display symptoms of chronic poisoning. Chronic poisoning usually presents with symptoms affecting multiple systems, but
3959-559: The developing world . There also are numerous cases in the developed world, with there being thousands of American communities with higher lead burdens than seen during the peak of the Flint water crisis . Those who are poor are at greater risk. Lead is believed to result in 0.6% of the world's disease burden . According to a study, half of the US population has been exposed to substantially detrimental lead levels in early childhood – mainly from car exhaust, from which lead pollution peaked in
4066-492: The drinking water in Flint , in 2018 higher-than-acceptable levels of lead were found in Benton Harbor's tap water . Water was starting to appear "bubbly and white" to "brown", with a "horrible" taste and poor smell. This was due to lead-based water service lines. Testing found the samples returned lead levels of 22 parts per billion, greater than the 20 parts per billion in Flint and the federal lead action level of 15 parts per billion. High levels of copper were also noted in
4173-443: The jail , maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages and vital records , oversees public health , and participates with the state in welfare and social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws and ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police, fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are
4280-453: The water crisis in Flint, Michigan , a switch to a more corrosive municipal water source caused elevated lead levels in domestic tap water. Like Flint, Michigan, and Washington, D.C., a similar situation affects the state of Wisconsin, where estimates call for replacement of up to 176,000 underground pipes made of lead known as lead service lines . The City of Madison, Wisconsin , addressed
4387-444: The 1950s, and the city experienced an economic downturn between 1970 and 1985. The House of David religious group was founded there and once ran a local amusement park. Benton Harbor has had two major riots, one in 1966 and one in 2003, with smaller ones occurring in 1960, 1967, and 1990. On August 30, 1966, a riot began after a meeting discussing recreational facilities and police relations with respect to black residents. During
Benton Harbor, Michigan - Misplaced Pages Continue
4494-543: The 1970s and caused widespread loss in cognitive ability. People have been mining and using lead for thousands of years. Descriptions of lead poisoning date to at least 200 BC, while efforts to limit lead's use date back to at least the 16th century. Concerns for low levels of exposure began in the 1970s with there being no safe threshold for lead exposure. Classically, "lead poisoning" or "lead intoxication" has been defined as exposure to high levels of lead typically associated with severe health effects. Poisoning
4601-721: The Indiana state line is drained by small tributaries of the Kankakee River , which ultimately flows into the Mississippi River . This is one of two areas of Michigan drained by the Mississippi River, the other being an area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border. By land By water The 2010 United States Census indicates Berrien County had a 2010 population of 156,813. This
4708-738: The Premiere Basketball League for the 2012 season. Jack Dempsey defended his heavyweight title on September 6, 1920, in Benton Harbor, defeating Billy Miske . The city hosts the Maytag Ironman 70.3 Steelhead triathlon, a qualifying event for the Ironman 70.3 World Championship. The city is the birthplace of Iris Kyle , the most successful professional bodybuilder ever, with ten overall Ms. Olympia wins and two heavyweight wins, along with seven Ms. International wins and one heavyweight win. Benton Harbor co-hosts
4815-590: The St. Joseph River in Benton Harbor and the Technical Center in St. Joseph. Black Autonomy Network Community Organization (BANCO) is a political and social justice coalition working in Benton Harbor. Spanning the Paw Paw River and providing an additional connection to St. Joseph, the Charles Freeman Joseph bridge on Whitwam Drive, is named for Benton Harbor's first black mayor, opened in late 2005. The Amtrak station in St. Joseph
4922-543: The West. The St. Joseph River is a major geographical feature, flowing mostly north and west through the county from Niles to its mouth on Lake Michigan at St. Joseph . The southwest of the county is drained by the Galien River and its tributaries. Paw Paw Lake is in the north of the county, along with the Paw Paw River , which flows into the St. Joseph River just before it enters Lake Michigan. A tiny portion along
5029-513: The administration building and men's dormitory for the House of David colony, a communal religious group; Morton House (on Morton Hill), built in 1849 by Eleazar Morton, which now houses a museum; Jean Klock Park on Lake Michigan ; and the Golf Club at Harbor Shores . In neighboring Benton Township is a large fruit market that replaced the fruit market in the "flats" area of Benton Harbor, which
5136-427: The age of 18 living with them, 17.0% were married couples living together, 43.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.2% were non-families. 28.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.41. The median age in
5243-444: The age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were husband and wife families , 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.0% were non-families, and 28.7% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.98. The county population contained 23.4% under age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
5350-450: The agent is an organic compound (one that contains carbon), or an inorganic one. Organic lead poisoning is now very rare, because countries across the world have phased out the use of organic lead compounds as gasoline additives , but such compounds are still used in industrial settings. Organic lead compounds, which cross the skin and respiratory tract easily, affect the central nervous system predominantly. Lead poisoning can cause
5457-443: The annual consumer confidence reports that have been required by Environmental Protection Agency . Concerns were with the health impacts of lead poisoning . As a result, residents were supplied with free bottled water , including for use with brushing teeth and cooking, for residences and schools. In September 2021, $ 10 million was budgeted to replace the lead service lines. All lead pipes had been replaced by December 1, 2023, per
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#17327733894785564-412: The annual Blossomtime Festival with St. Joseph. Berrien County, Michigan Berrien County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan . It is located at the southwest corner of the state's Lower Peninsula , located on the shore of Lake Michigan and sharing a land border with Indiana . As of the 2020 Census , the population was 154,316. The county seat is St. Joseph . Berrien County
5671-423: The atmosphere or soil can end up in groundwater and surface water. It is also potentially in drinking water , e.g. from plumbing and fixtures that are either made of lead or have lead solder. Since acidic water breaks down lead in plumbing more readily, chemicals can be added to municipal water to increase the pH and thus reduce the corrosivity of the public water supply . Chloramines , which were adopted as
5778-548: The blood and tissues, as well as the time course of exposure, determine toxicity. Lead poisoning may be acute (from intense exposure of short duration) or chronic (from repeat low-level exposure over a prolonged period), but the latter is much more common. Diagnosis and treatment of lead exposure are based on blood lead level (the amount of lead in the blood), measured in micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (μg/dL). Urine lead levels may be used as well, though less commonly. In cases of chronic exposure, lead often sequesters in
5885-479: The blood lead levels of 5 and 35 μg/dL, an IQ decrease of 2–4 points for each μg/dL increase is reported in children. However, studies that show associations between low-level lead exposure and health effects in children may be affected by confounding and overestimate the effects of low-level lead exposure. High blood lead levels in adults are also associated with decreases in cognitive performance and with psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety. It
5992-528: The bones of children as seen on X-ray . Lead poisoning is preventable. This includes individual efforts such as removing lead-containing items from the home, workplace efforts such as improved ventilation and monitoring, state and national policies that ban lead in products such as paint, gasoline, ammunition, wheel weights, and fishing weights, reduce allowable levels in water or soil, and provide for cleanup of contaminated soil. Workers' education could be helpful as well. The major treatments are removal of
6099-399: The brain . Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are other acute symptoms. Lead's effects on the mouth include astringency and a metallic taste. Gastrointestinal problems , such as constipation , diarrhea , poor appetite , or weight loss , are common in acute poisoning. Absorption of large amounts of lead over a short time can cause shock (insufficient fluid in
6206-579: The city had been mismanaged for decades. On January 4, 2012, city commissioners Marcus Muhammad and MaryAlice Adams held a press conference where they stated that if there was still an emergency financial manager administering the city when Benton Harbor hosted the Senior PGA Championship in May, an " Occupy PGA movement should sit in on the golf greens and driving ranges in protest." Occupy PGA did hold protest marches on multiple days during
6313-562: The city was 28.3 years. 35.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.5% were from 25 to 44; 22.2% were from 45 to 64; and 7.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.5% male and 53.5% female. At the 2000 census , there were 11,182 people, 3,767 households and 2,557 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,545.7 inhabitants per square mile (982.9/km). There were 4,492 housing units at an average density of 1,022.7 per square mile (394.9/km). The racial makeup of
6420-564: The city was 92.40% African American , 5.48% White , 0.15% Native American , 0.13% Asian , 0.04% Pacific Islander , 0.14% from other races , and 1.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.58% of the population. There were 3,767 households, of which 42.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 20.8% were married couples living together, 42.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.1% were non-families. 26.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who
6527-611: The city were to replace their pipes and the citizens were to keep the old pipes located within their homes, there would be a potential for more lead to dissolve into their drinking water. The US Congress authorized the EPA to dedicate funds to assist states and nonprofits with the costs of lead service line removal under Section 50105 of the Safe Drinking Water Act . Collected rainwater from roof runoff used as potable water may contain lead, if there are lead contaminants on
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#17327733894786634-405: The city's finances. The team's report was a long list of mismanagement to the point that budgets were "effectively meaningless as a financial management tool." The city was $ 10 million underfunded in its pension fund and increasing budget deficits. In April 2010, Democratic Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed Joseph Harris as Emergency Financial Manager. City staff was reduced by 30 to 70. Harris
6741-507: The city's name. In 1860, the village was laid out by Brunson, Morton, Hull and others, and given the name Brunson Harbor. Brunson, Morton, and Hull also donated land and solicited subscriptions for construction of the canal, which was completed in 1862. It had long been recognized that a canal would be crucial to the town's development, both to drain the marsh and to provide a berthing area for ships. The canal, originally 25 feet (7.6 m) wide but expanded to 50 feet (15 m) in 1868, led to
6848-475: The city. The population density was 2,265.9 inhabitants per square mile (874.9/km). There were 4,329 housing units at an average density of 977.2 per square mile (377.3/km). The racial makeup of the city was 89.2% African American , 7.0% White , 0.3% Native American , 0.1% Asian , 0.8% from other races , and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2% of the population. There were 3,548 households, of which 44.3% had children under
6955-439: The classification. Due to lake-effect snow there is very high snowfall relative to precipitation in winter, but far lower than some locations that are farther north in the state. Summer high temperatures range from 77 to 83 °F (25 to 28 °C) from June to August, but the apparent heat is normally moderated by mild nights. As of the census of 2010, there were 10,038 people, 3,548 households, and 2,335 families residing in
7062-635: The coastal cities of New Buffalo and Lakeside , has received notice as a vacation destination for Chicago area residents and other Midwesterners. It has earned multiple nicknames in this capacity, including " Harbor Country " and "the Hamptons of the Midwest", with the latter recognized by the Wall Street Journal. Berrien County has favored a Republican Party candidate in all but five elections since 1884. The county government operates
7169-427: The developmental effects unique to young children, the health effects experienced by adults are similar to those in children, although the thresholds are generally higher. Kidney damage occurs with exposure to high levels of lead, and evidence suggests that lower levels can damage kidneys as well. The toxic effect of lead causes nephropathy and may cause Fanconi syndrome , in which the proximal tubular function of
7276-559: The dust and since children are more prone to crawling on the floor, it is easily ingested. Many young children display pica , eating things that are not food. Even a small amount of a lead-containing product such as a paint chip or a sip of glaze can contain tens or hundreds of milligrams of lead. Eating chips of lead paint presents a particular hazard to children, generally producing more severe poisoning than lead-contaminated dust. Because removing lead paint from dwellings, e.g. by sanding or torching, creates lead-containing dust and fumes, it
7383-452: The early 2000s. Although leaded soil is less of a problem in countries that no longer have leaded gasoline , it remains prevalent, raising concerns about the safety of urban agriculture ; eating food grown in contaminated soil can present a lead hazard. Interfacial solar evaporation has been recently studied as a technique for remediating lead-contaminated sites, which involves the evaporation of heavy metal ions from moist soil. Lead from
7490-594: The extremities. Early symptoms of lead poisoning in adults are commonly nonspecific and include depression, loss of appetite, intermittent abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and muscle pain . Other early signs in adults include malaise , fatigue, decreased libido , and problems with sleep. An unusual taste in the mouth and personality changes are also early signs. In adults, symptoms can occur at levels above 40 μg/dL, but are more likely to occur only above 50–60 μg/dL. Symptoms begin to appear in children generally at around 60 μg/dL. However,
7597-546: The extremities. Fatigue, problems with sleep, headaches, stupor, slurred speech, and anemia are also found in chronic lead poisoning. A "lead hue" of the skin with pallor and/or lividity is another feature. A blue line along the gum with bluish black edging to the teeth, known as a Burton line , is another indication of chronic lead poisoning. Children with chronic poisoning may refuse to play or may have hyperkinetic or aggressive behavior disorders. Visual disturbance may present with gradually progressing blurred vision as
7704-633: The hands and feet. It causes almost 10% of intellectual disability of otherwise unknown cause and can result in behavioral problems. Some of the effects are permanent. In severe cases, anemia , seizures , coma , or death may occur. Exposure to lead can occur by contaminated air, water, dust, food, or consumer products. Lead poisoning poses a significantly increased risk to children as they are far more likely to ingest lead indirectly by chewing on toys or other objects that are coated in lead paint . Additionally, children absorb greater quantities of lead from ingested sources than adults. Exposure at work
7811-482: The highest concentrations first in the bones, then in the kidneys. If a provider is performing a provocative excretion test, or "chelation challenge", a measurement obtained from urine rather than blood is likely to provide a more accurate representation of total lead burden to a skilled interpreter. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization state that
7918-503: The highest murder rates, after adjusting for confounding factors. A May 2000 study by economic consultant Rick Nevin theorizes that lead exposure explains 65% to 90% of the variation in violent crime rates in the US. A 2007 paper by the same author claims to show a strong association between preschool blood lead and subsequent crime rate trends over several decades across nine countries. Lead exposure in childhood appears to increase school suspensions and juvenile detention among boys. It
8025-478: The human body rarely cause significant levels of lead, but bullets lodged in the joints are the exception, as they deteriorate and release lead into the body over time. In May 2015, Indian food safety regulators in the state of Uttar Pradesh found that samples of Maggi 2 Minute Noodles contained lead up to 17 times beyond permissible limits. On 3 June 2015, the New Delhi Government banned
8132-433: The issue and replaced all of their lead service lines, but there are still other cities that have yet to follow suit. While there are chemical methods that could help reduce the amount of lead in the water distributed, a permanent fix would be to replace the pipes completely. While the state may replace the pipes below ground, homeowners must replace the pipes on their property, at an average cost of $ 3,000. Experts say that if
8239-420: The kidney is impaired. Long-term exposure at levels lower than those that cause lead nephropathy have also been reported as nephrotoxic in patients from developed countries that had chronic kidney disease or were at risk because of hypertension or diabetes mellitus . Lead poisoning inhibits excretion of the waste product urate and causes a predisposition for gout , in which urate builds up. This condition
8346-622: The largest amounts of lead consumed in the economy each year, in the US as of 2013. Children living near facilities that process lead, such as lead smelters , have been found to have unusually high blood lead levels. In August 2009, parents rioted in China after lead poisoning was found in nearly 2000 children living near zinc and manganese smelters. Lead exposure can occur from contact with lead in air, household dust, soil, water, and commercial products. Leaded gasoline has also been linked to increases in lead pollution. Some research has suggested
8453-533: The last country to stop its use in July 2021. Lead can be found in products such as kohl , an ancient cosmetic from the Middle East, South Asia, and parts of Africa that has many other names; and from some toys. In 2007, millions of toys made in China were recalled from multiple countries owing to safety hazards including lead paint. Vinyl mini-blinds, found especially in older housing, may contain lead. Lead
8560-772: The lead levels at which symptoms appear vary widely depending on unknown characteristics of each individual. At blood lead levels between 25 and 60 μg/dL, neuropsychiatric effects such as delayed reaction times , irritability, and difficulty concentrating, as well as slowed motor nerve conduction and headache can occur. Anemia may appear at blood lead levels higher than 50 μg/dL. In adults, abdominal colic , involving paroxysms of pain, may appear at blood lead levels greater than 80 μg/dL. Signs that occur in adults at blood lead levels exceeding 100 μg/dL include wrist drop and foot drop , and signs of encephalopathy (a condition characterized by brain swelling ), such as those that accompany increased pressure within
8667-522: The main sources of high lead levels in the country. Following a 2019 report identifying adulterated turmeric as the main cause of lead poisoning in Bangladesh, the government began a rapid crackdown and public service campaign on it. By 2021, leaded turmeric had vanished from the Bangladeshi market, and blood lead levels in workers at turmeric mills had dropped by a median of 30%. In Hong Kong,
8774-537: The male and female reproductive systems. In men, when blood lead levels exceed 40 μg/dL, sperm count is reduced and changes occur in volume of sperm, their motility , and their morphology . A pregnant woman's elevated blood lead level can lead to miscarriage , prematurity , low birth weight , and problems with development during childhood. Lead is able to pass through the placenta and into breast milk, and blood lead levels in mothers and infants are usually similar. A fetus may be poisoned in utero if lead from
8881-408: The maximum allowed lead parts per million is 6 in solid foods and 1 in liquid foods. In December 2022, 28 dark chocolate brands were tested by Consumer Reports , which found that 23 of them contained cadmium , lead or both. When cocoa beans are set outside near polluting industrial plants, they can be contaminated by dust containing lead. In 2007, a mass poisoning due to adulterated marijuana
8988-408: The mid-20th century. It is speculated that the painter Caravaggio and possibly Francisco Goya and Vincent Van Gogh had lead poisoning due to overexposure or carelessness when handling this colour. Residual lead in soil contributes to lead exposure in urban areas. It has been thought that the more polluted an area is with various contaminants, the more likely it is to contain lead. However, this
9095-418: The mother's bones is subsequently mobilized by the changes in metabolism due to pregnancy; increased calcium intake in pregnancy may help mitigate this phenomenon. Lead affects the peripheral nervous system (especially motor nerves ) and the central nervous system . Peripheral nervous system effects are more prominent in adults and central nervous system effects are more prominent in children. Lead causes
9202-495: The population were below the poverty line , including 28.5% of those under the age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over. 41°56′N 86°35′W / 41.94°N 86.59°W / 41.94; -86.59 Lead poisoning Lead poisoning , also known as plumbism and saturnism , is a type of metal poisoning caused by lead in the body. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation , headaches, irritability, memory problems, infertility , and tingling in
9309-528: The profit per kilogram increased by as much as $ 1,500 with the lead added. It is common for drugs to be cut with less-expensive substances to increase the profits of dealers or distributors (e.g., cocaine is routinely adulterated with sugars, talcum powder, magnesium salts, and even other drugs). It is thought that the adverse reactions to many of these drugs are a result of poor manufacturing rather than face-value overdoses. Besides adulteration, cannabis plants have an inherent ability to absorb heavy metals from
9416-526: The responsibility of individual cities and townships. (information as of March 2024) According to the US Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 1,581 square miles (4,090 km ), of which 568 square miles (1,470 km ) is land and 1,014 square miles (2,630 km ) (64%) is water. The county borders the state of Indiana to the South and includes a portion of Lake Michigan to
9523-495: The riot, a black 18-year-old named Cecil Hunt was killed in a drive-by shooting ; suspects were arrested but the assault charge was later dismissed. Governor George W. Romney dispatched troops from the Michigan National Guard , who stood down on September 5 when the riot dissipated. In June 2003, several citizens in Benton Harbor demonstrated for two days when black motorcyclist Terrance Shurn, being chased by
9630-476: The roof or in the storage tank. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines allow a maximum of 0.01 mg/L (10 ppb) lead in water. Lead wheel weights have been found to accumulate on roads and interstates and erode in traffic entering the water runoff through drains. Leaded fishing weights accumulate in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes. Tetraethyllead was first added to gasoline in 1923, as it helped prevent engine knocking . Automotive exhaust represented
9737-458: The sale of Maggi noodles in New Delhi stores for 15 days because it was found to contain lead beyond the permissible limit. The Gujarat FDA on 4 June 2015 banned the noodles for 30 days after 27 out of 39 samples were detected with objectionable levels of metallic lead, among other things. Some of India's biggest retailers like Future Group , Big Bazaar , Easyday , and Nilgiris have imposed
9844-455: The skull , delirium, coma, seizures , and headache . In children, signs of encephalopathy such as bizarre behavior, discoordination, and apathy occur at lead levels exceeding 70 μg/dL. For both adults and children, it is rare to be asymptomatic if blood lead levels exceed 100 μg/dL. In acute poisoning, typical neurological signs are pain, muscle weakness, numbness and tingling , and, rarely, symptoms associated with inflammation of
9951-595: The soil. This makes them useful for remediating contaminated sites. But this may also make cannabis dangerous for consumers who ingest it. Some cannabis strains have been bred specifically to remove pollutants from soil, air or water, a method known as phytoremediation . In 2022, around 40% of cannabis products sold at unlicensed storefronts in New York City were found to contain heavy metals (e.g., lead, nickel), pesticides, and bacteria. Some lead compounds are colorful and are used widely in paints, and lead paint
10058-419: The source of lead and the use of medications that bind lead so it can be eliminated from the body , known as chelation therapy . Chelation therapy in children is recommended when blood levels are greater than 40–45 μg/dL. Medications used include dimercaprol , edetate calcium disodium , and succimer . In 2013, lead is believed to have resulted in 853,000 deaths worldwide. It occurs most commonly in
10165-478: The total development of Benton Harbor". Benton Harbor is served by sister radio stations WCXT , WCSY-FM , WQLQ , WIRX , WQYQ , WSJM-FM , and WYTZ , as well as WHFB and some in the South Bend market . Additionally, most of the Chicago market TV and radio stations are available from 60 miles (97 km) across the lake. Sites of interest in Benton Harbor are Shiloh House , built in 1910, which served as
10272-760: The tournament, but did not disrupt the tournament. On January 11, 2013, the Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board (ELB) voted to replace Harris as the Emergency Financial Manager (EFM) for the city. On February 1, 2013, the ELB appointed Tony R. Saunders II as the youngest Successor-Emergency Financial Manager for the city of Benton Harbor. Library service for the city is provided by the Benton Harbor Public Library . The town has
10379-409: The town's becoming a shipping and manufacturing center for the area. In 1866, the settlement's name was changed to Benton Harbor in honor of Thomas Hart Benton , a Missouri Senator who helped Michigan achieve statehood. In 1836, Benton Harbor was organized as a village and in 1891 it was incorporated as a city. Benton Harbor's retail establishments started relocating outside of the city starting in
10486-407: The workplace can bring lead dust home on clothes or skin and expose their children. Occupational exposure to lead increases the risk of cardiovascular disease , in particular: stroke , and high blood pressure . Lead may be found in food when food is grown in soil that is high in lead, airborne lead contaminates the crops, animals eat lead in their diet, or lead enters the food either from what it
10593-472: Was $ 17,471, and the median family income was $ 19,250. Males had a median income of $ 27,154 versus $ 20,105 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 8,965, the lowest in Michigan. About 39.6% of families and 42.6% of the population were below the poverty line , including 52.5% of those under age 18 and 29.7% of those age 65 or over. The Michigan Treasury Department in 2009 sent a team to look into
10700-448: Was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.6 males. The 2010 American Community Survey 1-year estimate indicates the median income for a household in the county was $ 40,329 and the median income for a family was $ 51,305. Males had a median income of $ 26,745 versus $ 16,289 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 22,337. About 12.1% of families and 16.8% of
10807-427: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.53. Age distribution was 39.6% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 72.7 males. The median household income
10914-464: Was found in a large group of current and former inorganic lead workers in Korea that blood lead levels in the range of 20–50 μg/dL were correlated with neuro-cognitive defects. Increases in blood lead levels from about 50 to about 100 μg/dL in adults have been found to be associated with persistent, and possibly permanent, impairment of central nervous system function. Lead exposure in children
11021-553: Was founded in 1829, and was organized in 1831, before Michigan was accepted into the Union as a state. When Michigan Territory was established in 1805, the area of present Berrien County was included in the boundary of Wayne County . About 1780, New Jersey resident William Burnett established a trading post at the mouth of the St. Joseph River (present-day site of St. Joseph) to serve indigenous peoples and French Canadian residents. Also during that time, Joseph Bertrand established
11128-562: Was given expanded powers under a new law signed in March 2011 by Republican governor Rick Snyder . Harris was previously the chief financial officer for the city of Detroit . On April 14, 2011, Harris suspended the decision-making powers of Benton Harbor's elected city officials, who can hold meetings but are not allowed to govern. The Michigan AFL–CIO president called the move "sad news for democracy in Michigan", but at least one city official, City Commissioner Bryan Joseph, supported it, saying
11235-425: Was stored or cooked in. Ingestion of lead paint and batteries is also a route of exposure for livestock, which can subsequently affect humans. Milk produced by contaminated cattle can be diluted to a lower lead concentration and sold for consumption. In Bangladesh, lead chromate has been added to turmeric to make it more yellow. This is believed to have started in the 1980s. It was believed to have been one of
11342-649: Was torn down during an urban renewal project in 1967. The main shopping center is The Orchards Mall . An American Basketball Association team (ABA), the Twin City Ballers , played in Benton Harbor for a few games in November 2006, but left the city due to poor attendance at games. Another ABA team, the Lake Michigan Admirals , began play in 2009. The Admirals switched from the ABA to join
11449-467: Was uncovered in Leipzig, Germany, where 29 young adults were hospitalized with lead poisoning for several months after having smoked marijuana that had been tainted with small lead particles. One hypothesis from the police was that lead, with its high specific gravity, was used to increase the weight of street marijuana sold by the gram, thereby maximizing the dealers' profits. The researchers estimated that
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