Elevated lead levels were reported in more than 1,000 young children tested at
military clinics between 2011 and 2016, according to a Reuters investigation
published earlier this week.
A handful of senators wrote a letter to the army demanding "a detailed briefing”
in regard to lead poisoning at on-base housing at bases in Georgia, Louisiana,
Texas and Kentucky.
Senators Tim Kaine, David Perdue, Mark Warner and Johnny Isakson sent the letter
to Army Secretary Mark Esper Friday after lead poisoning at the bases
was revealed.
"The health and safety of our service members and their families are of the
utmost importance,” they wrote. "We ask that you provide our offices with a
detailed briefing as soon as possible outlining the immediate and long-term
mitigation strategy to keep military families safe, provide medical treatment
for those potentially or previously affected, make long-lasting repairs and
finally, provide legislative proposals or guidance on legislation needed to hold
contractors accountable."
The military bases are also accused of violating state laws by not reporting the
kids’ blood test results to state health departments.
"We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment on all of our
installations, and to providing the highest quality of care to our service
members, their families and all those entrusted to our care,” Army spokeswoman
Colonel Kathleen Turner said.
Source:PRESSTV