Yet another lead contamination scare, just a week ago, this time in Hancock, N.Y..

As shared by 12 News on www.wbng.com - Residents of the Village of Hancock have been alerted by the local Water Department about elevated levels of lead in their drinking water. During a routine testing run from June – September 2019, the department detected “two houses with elevated levels of lead in the water.”

The discovery of this has lead to growing concerns in the village and has left officials expressing concern for the health of the residents. They expect these heightened lead levels to have occurred due to corrosion in the pipes serving the village, which is likely the reason why they are concerned beyond the contamination results of the 2 houses.

12 News received the following statement:

“The village of Hancock is concerned about the health of their residents because lead can cause serious health problems if too much enters your body from drinking water or other sources, especially for pregnant women and children 6 years-old or younger. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to parts of your body. Scientists have linked the effects of lead on the brain with lowered IQ in children. Adults with kidney problems and high blood pressure can be affected by low levels of lead more than healthy adults. Lead is stored in the bones and it can be released later in life. During pregnancy, the child receives lead from the mother's bones which may affect brain development.””

As a result of this, the village officials have done their best to act on site by increasing “the amount of zinc orthophostate in the village water system to help slow the pace of corrosion and therefore lower the levels of lead.”

Another measure that can be taken to lower the chances of the lead being present in the water you drink, use to cook or mix baby formula – is to run “your water for 15 to 30 seconds to help flush out lead and using cold water to prepare baby formula”.

Head to this link to see the news report.