Lead Water Contamination Prompts President Biden to Declare Emergency in US Virgin Islands Over Environmental, Public Health Threat

Lead water contamination has been reported in the United States Virgin Islands, where the threat of poisoning or exposure has persisted as of this week. The presence of lead, a chemical element, revealed that its level is multiple times above the limit set by the US government after tests were made, according to reports.

Due to the looming environmental and public health threat, US President Joe Biden declared an emergency in the territory located in the Caribbean Sea, southeast of Puerto Rico.

Local authorities warned the islands' residents to stop drinking water from their taps and provided vouchers for bottled water. The growing concern towards the issue of lead contamination is based on its proven detrimental impacts to humans, animals, and even plants.

Health experts say that lead poisoning or exposure can lead to damage to one's brain and central nervous system. The highly toxic metal can also result in death, depending on the length of exposure, degree of severity, and conducted treatment.

Lead Water Contamination

(Photo : Photo by Imani on Unsplash)

President Biden declared the emergency after lead water contamination or "lead-in-water contamination" was detected by authorities earlier this week following tests on St. Croix, the largest of the islands in the said territory. This means that the hazardous substance has accessed the local population's water supply.

In a press release on November 18, The White House announced that the US Virgin Islands emergency declaration was issued by Biden due to the elevated levels of lead and copper in the territory's water supply since October 25, 2023. Under the emergency status, the Biden administration ordered federal assistance to the US Caribbean territory's response efforts amid the emergency conditions posed by the lead water contamination.

The emergency declaration authorizes the US Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management to take charge of all disaster relief efforts for the local population of the US Virgin Islands, especially in St. Croix. Reports have not mentioned the exact cause on how lead got into the island's water supply. However, the lead contamination has continued as of Thursday, November 23, almost a month after the first reported incident.

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US Virgin Islands Lead Levels

The reported US Virgin Islands lead contamination has a level 100 times greater than the limit set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In modern times, lead and its compounds have been used in many products, including batteries, ceramics, paint, pipes, plumbing materials, and even gasoline. This toxic element can enter the environment from this usage, the EPA adds.

Lead exposure is known for being notorious when it comes to affecting a child's intelligence, behavior, and IQ. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead can enter the blood once it is swallowed by a child. For adults, lead can result in high blood pressure and damage not only to the brain but also to kidney and reproductive health, according to US health authorities.