FIVE THOUSAND CITY HOMES AT RISK OF LEAD CONTAMINATION

Date Published: 23-Sep-2008

High levels of lead have been found in the water supply of some older city houses in Old Mervue, Bohermore, the Claddagh and ShantallaThese houses have been told not to drink the tap water as lead is poisonous and can build up in the body and cause harm, particularly in young children and unborn babiesSo far, there have been no reports of lead poisoning related illnesses in the cityUp to 5,000 homes in the city, built prior to 1970 are at risk of contamination, but there's no way of knowing at this stage how many are affectedMayor of Galway Padraig Conneely says so far of 20 houses in the city tested, 12 showed high levels of lead, and testing is continuing