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WILKES-BARRE — Mayor Tony George Monday said there was no lead found in water samples tested by the city’s Health Department.
The testing of samples from 10 different sites in the public water system was done in light of the water contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, the mayor said.
According to the city Health Department, lead is a metal that in high levels can damage organs and systems in the body. It is especially harmful to developing brains and fetuses, young children and pregnant women. High blood lead levels in children can cause irreversible damage, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems and mental retardation. At very high levels, lead can cause convulsions, coma and even death.
The Health Department also collects water samples on a weekly basis for bacteriological testing. Testing is done at the Kirby Memorial Center laboratory and all results for bacteriological testing were also negative, the mayor said.
George said that he is confident in the Health Department’s diligence in ensuring that Wilkes-Barre’s water is lead-free and it is consistently monitored for lead, as well as bacteriological dangers.