The Minnesota Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Industry Monday issued a temporary order to halt operations at Water Gremlin of White Bear Township due to families of workers being contaminated with lead poisoning.
It's "related to industrial production of lead products" at the manufacturer after an on-site inspection Saturday, Oct. 26. The Commissioners also asked a Ramsey County District Court judge to issue an injunction extending this order until "the court is satisfied that necessary steps have been taken and maintained to prevent the lead poisoning of workers’ children."
According to the the Health Department, at least 12 children of workers at Water Gremlin had elevated blood lead levels, including two children with blood lead levels above 15 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
"As governor, the most important part of my job is protecting the health of Minnesotans," Gov. Tim Walz said. "We have evidence that unsafe conditions at Water Gremlin’s facility resulted in workers unknowingly bringing home lead dust—causing lead poisoning in their children. This is heartbreaking. It is unacceptable. And it is not the first time Water Gremlin has jeopardized the health of Minnesotans."
St. Paul-Ramsey County Public Health, DEED and MDH have set up an emergency support center at the Vadnais Heights Sports Center to connect workers with testing for them and their families. Job search assistance is also available.