Officials urge lead tests for kids of MN ammo plant workers

ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota health officials have urged workers at the Federal Ammunition company plant in Anoka to get their children tested for lead exposure after four kids with family members who work there were found to have elevated levels of lead in their blood. The Minnesota Department of Health said the children, from four separate households, were exposed to lead dust that was brought home accidentally on the clothing and personal items of their family members. And they’re concerned that other children of plant employees might have been exposed to “take-home lead dust” but have not been tested.

“The series of cases indicates an ongoing exposure problem requiring additional prevention actions,” the department said in a news release on Friday.