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Pritchard says Galesburg’s lead response has been “responsible, appropriate and transparent”

In continued response to recent reports of high lead levels in Galesburg water and Knox County children, Mayor John Pritchard says the city has acted appropriately and is in compliance with EPA regulations. 

In a letter published in the Register-Mail today, Pritchard acknowledges that 3.52% of Knox County children have dangerous levels of lead in their system.

But he also says that “inferring that the county’s high blood levels are due to any particular source is extremely inaccurate.”

“There have been a lot of media reports outside the area that have had the wrong information,” Pritchard says. “This is hopefully a complete summary of where we are.”

In the letter, he says when a child tests high for lead the Health Department visits the child’s home to assess the risk for lead.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says that about 75 percent of homes built before 1978 contained some lead paint and Pritchard says that 81% of Knox County homes were built before 1978.

Knox County Public Health Administrator Michele Gabriele has estimated that as high as 80 percent of the children in Knox County that have tested high for lead levels is due to lead paint and dust in homes.

Pritchard reiterated that the city’s water supply does not contain lead nor do city street water mains.

On April 29 Pritchard along with the Galesburg City Council, a special meeting has been planned with Knox County Health Department representatives to discuss lead issues. Additionally, council will hold a work session Monday to discuss lead in water. 

The Illinois EPA was invited but Pritchard says will be unable to attend.

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