US Sen. Sherrod Brown discusses plan to reduce toxic lead exposure

AUSTINTOWN — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Cleveland, convened a meeting today with local officials and public health experts to discuss actions he is taking to help protect Mahoning Valley families from toxic lead exposure.

“No parent should have to worry that the water coming out of their faucets might be poising their children,” Brown said. “That’s why I introduced legislation to ensure communities like Sebring have the resources they need to address threats from lead in an efficient, transparent, and accountable way.

"But as we work to respond to the immediate crises in Sebring, we must also remember that the problem of lead contamination stretches far beyond just our water systems,” Brown continued.

Among the things his bill proposes is for families to be alerted right away when there is a problem by directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to automatically alert the public if the state or local agency responsible fails to do so in 15 days.

For the complete story, read Saturday's Vindicator and Vindy.com