The Nation - News from Oct. 6, 1988

The House approved legislation to help reduce lead contamination in drinking water, especially that available to children, and to require the recall of some water coolers. The bill was passed on a voice vote and sent to the Senate. Rep. Gerry Sikorski (D-Minn.) said one child in 11 under the age of 6 has blood lead levels above acceptable standards. The bill would order the Consumer Product Safety Commission to tell makers and importers of water coolers with lead or lead-lined reservoir tanks to repair, replace or recall them and provide a refund for the coolers. The work would have to be done within a year.