A state of emergency for Flint, Michigan after their residents have been exposed to toxic levels of lead in their drinking water from improperly treated water flowing through old pipes. The drinking water contamination has affected thousands of residents, which includes approximately 9,000 children. Rhode Island might not be an exception. According to a 2010 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, Rhode Island’s children have blood lead levels that are three times higher than the national average. Lead poisoning is known to cause permanent neurological and behavioral effects.
What Caused The Lead Contamination?
Flint decided to draw their drinking water from the Flint River. This water is not contaminated with lead, but has a corrosive quality that brings out lead from old pipes. Lead pipes were used in Flint, primarily in service lines that connects water lines from the home to the city’s main line. In addition, most homes that were built before the mid-1980s used copper pipes that were connected with solder containing lead. The corrosive water flowed through these pipes and brought water contaminated with lead into homes. Like Flint, Rhode Island has some of the oldest homes in the nation with lead pipes. It has also been reported that tens of thousands of homes in Providence have lead service lines.
How Can I Check If My Water Is Safe?
Overall, the Rhode Island Department of Health monitors the state’s drinking water. In addition, community water suppliers are responsible for providing an annual water quality report known as the Consumer Confidence Report. These reports are available to the public. Other water quality assessments come from the Office of Drinking Water and the University of Rhode Island. However, it is important to note that these assessments measure the quality of water in the main lines, not necessarily the water that comes out of your faucet. If you have any concerns about the quality of your drinking water, you may contact your local water supplier and also use a home water testing kit.
Contact a RI Lead Poisoning Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been injured from lead poisoning, contact d’Oliveira & Associates. You may be entitled to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Our firm is working with experienced lead poisoning lawyers, who may file a lead poisoning lawsuit on your behalf. No fees are received unless you win your case. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out our contact form online.
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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