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25/09/2008
Irish Pre-70s Housing In Danger Of Lead Contamination
Following the recent discovery of lead contamination in areas of Galway, fears are growing that the problem could affect homes throughout Ireland.
Those households suffering from the problem were built before 1970, and used lead piping for their plumbing.
On Wednesday, emergency pipes were being installed on the city streets to provide drinking water for the homes affected by the problem.
A testing programme is now underway in Galway, with up to 5,000 homes thought to contain lead pipes. And although all council built homes post 1970 were built with plastic pipes, the extent of private homes built using lead plumbing after the date is not known.
Pregnant women and children under six years of age are reckoned to be most at risk from contamination by the lead-infected water. Galway City Council has advised that boiling water will not remove lead, and has instead recommended that those at risk drink bottled water.
Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, said on Tuesday afternoon that the crisis must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
"It's totally unacceptable that people in this day and age have to drink water with a lead content," he said.
"I know it’s a small area but it is simply not acceptable; that’s why I am urging the local authorities along with the EPA, with whom I have given extra powers, along with the HSA to deal with the situation as soon as possible."
(DW)
Those households suffering from the problem were built before 1970, and used lead piping for their plumbing.
On Wednesday, emergency pipes were being installed on the city streets to provide drinking water for the homes affected by the problem.
A testing programme is now underway in Galway, with up to 5,000 homes thought to contain lead pipes. And although all council built homes post 1970 were built with plastic pipes, the extent of private homes built using lead plumbing after the date is not known.
Pregnant women and children under six years of age are reckoned to be most at risk from contamination by the lead-infected water. Galway City Council has advised that boiling water will not remove lead, and has instead recommended that those at risk drink bottled water.
Minister for the Environment, John Gormley, said on Tuesday afternoon that the crisis must be dealt with as quickly as possible.
"It's totally unacceptable that people in this day and age have to drink water with a lead content," he said.
"I know it’s a small area but it is simply not acceptable; that’s why I am urging the local authorities along with the EPA, with whom I have given extra powers, along with the HSA to deal with the situation as soon as possible."
(DW)
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Ireland WeatherToday:All parts will have a dry day. A lot of cloud expected through the day. A little brightness breaking through at times along the coast. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:This evening will be dry. The rest of the night will remain dry with variable amounts of cloud and some clear periods. Light southwesterly winds. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
