Health Consultation: Emergency Response to Lead Poisoning of Cattle and Potential Human Exposures, Bertha, MN

摘要

Seven cattle, from a herd of about 20, in central Minnesota died of lead poisoning. Prior to a site visit, the source of the lead was not known. The residents of the farm consume milk from a cow in the herd. In addition, the residents consume, almost exclusively, produce and meats grown on their own and neighboring farms. The farm has a new well that showed marginally elevated lead and arsenic concentrations. At least one member of the family complained of diarrhea, and the children complained of headaches. During the site visit it was determined that old, broken lead-acid batteries were the source of the lead poisoning. Direct exposure of the family to the lead from the batteries was unlikely, but cow's milk was a potential route of exposure. Lead concentrations in well water samples drawn during the site visit were lower than those of previous samples and decreased with flushing. Therefore, it is likely that the lead in the water is from particulates in the new well and will decrease with use or flushing. Arsenic concentrations in well water exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Therefore, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommends that water from this well not be used for drinking or cooking. Arsenic in the well water is likely natural.