The Nation : Bill to Ease Water Cooler Dangers Signed

President Reagan signed legislation that establishes federal programs to help schools identify and eliminate health threats posed by water coolers with lead-lined holding tanks. The bill was passed in response to studies released by the Environmental Protection Agency earlier this year that found that certain brands of water coolers have tanks lined with lead, a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water. Lead is especially dangerous to children, and high exposure levels can result in impaired growth and mental development. The law requires the EPA to distribute to the states a list of all water coolers that pose a lead contamination threat. The agency is also directed to develop testing procedures so schools can identify problem water coolers. Within nine months, states must develop programs to help local education agencies repair or remove water coolers that pose a health risk. The legislation authorizes $30 million a year for the next three years for EPA grants to states to help carry out the program.