Excessive levels of lead in Louth water supply

positron

Just a quick FYI:

http://www.rte.ie/news/2008/1002/water.html

Louth County Council is investigating the public water supply in various locations following the discovery of excessive levels of lead.

The council believes at least ten different areas, many around Dundalk and Drogheda, have been identified as having a problem but it is not yet clear how many homes or businesses have been affected.

The problem emerged earlier this week during a review by the Environmental Protection Agency of tests carried out over the last two years in Co Louth.
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The results of further tests carried out by the Health Service Executive and the EPA on any possible risk to human health are due in the coming days.

The council said it is working closely with the agencies to determine what course of action may be needed and will take all appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the public water supply.

A spokesperson said the local authority had begun contacting individual homeowners and the businesses affected.

Mr Magnolia

It's a joke the Council haven't prepared a statement informing the residents of affected areas along with some practical advice.

So far it seems like areas of Dundalk, Drogheda, Omeath and Clogherhead are affected. It seems that only parts of these areas are affected mainly houses pre-1970. If you're concerned you should contact the Council office specific to your area. If anyone else picks up further details then post away

positron

... And here are the effects of Lead on human health.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/environ/lead-plomb-eng.php#he

Short-term exposure to high levels of lead can cause vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma or even death. Severe cases of lead poisoning are rare in Canada.

However, even small amounts of lead can be harmful, especially to infants, young children and pregnant women. Symptoms of long-term exposure to lower lead levels may be less noticeable but are still serious. Anaemia is common and damage to the nervous system may cause impaired mental function. Other symptoms are appetite loss, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, sleeplessness, irritability and headache. Continued excessive exposure, as in an industrial setting, can affect the kidneys.

Lead exposure is most serious for young children because they absorb lead more easily than adults and are more susceptible to its harmful effects. Even low level exposure may harm the intellectual development, behaviour, size and hearing of infants. During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, lead can cross the placenta and affect the unborn child. Female workers exposed to high levels of lead have more miscarriages and stillbirths.

If you are concerned about lead exposure, your doctor can conduct a simple blood test to measure your blood lead level. Your doctor will recommend corrective action if the amount is over 10 micrograms per decilitre.

NAGGIE03

Heard that the Chord road/Thomas St area of Drogheda is affected. There are four residential areas in Drogheda affected.

peaches79

Does anyone know what the full list of areas for Drogheda is?
Thanks in advance

gipi

Thomas Byrne (councillor) dropped in a letter to the Wheaton Hall residents yesterday - here's the general gist of the letter.

* If your home was built since 1970 it's likely there are no lead pipes in your property.

* If your home was built before 1970, you should flush the pipes as a precaution.

Flushing pipes:
Run the cold water kitchen tap until the sink fills before using any water from the tap. This is important if it's been at least 6 hours since the water was last used - so first thing in the morning, the tap should be flushed. Once flushed, the water is safe to drink/use.

Tap water is safe for bathing, showering, brushing teeth, dishwashing and laundry even if lead exists in the water.

Water from a source other than the mains supply (e.g. bathroom tap) shouldn't be used for drinking or cooking.

Mr Magnolia

Also folks, check the pipework to your cold tap under the sink. If it's copper or plastic then [more than likely] you're not affected.

Phototoxin

Us lot near Dunleer are getting nice additives from the Dump in philipstown. Especially those with their own spring wells... its a disgrace.