Morristown Medical Center has warned anyone who drank tap water at the hospital between January 22 and February 25 may have been exposed to low levels of lead.

In a statement, spokeswoman Elaine Andrecovich said, "Water tests conducted throughout the medical center in collaboration with these authorities identified levels ranging from extremely low to those that exceed 15 parts per billion, a level which requires action according to federal regulations. Upon learning of these results, Morristown Medical Center immediately and aggressively acted upon them by shutting off tap water and providing bottled water for drinking and food preparation on Thursday, February 25.

Andrecovich said the hospital is working with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Department of Health and the Morris County Office of Emergency Management (MCOEM) to address levels of lead in the water at Morristown Medical Center. The hospital uses well water so the issue is contained to their location at 100 Madison Avenue.

Bottled water is being used for drinking and food preparation throughout the hospital according to Andrecovich, who said that "tap"water continues to be safe for hand washing, cleaning, and bathing.

The New Jersey NJ Poison Information & Education System on its website said the effects of lead poisoning can be extremely harmful for young children (ages 6 and under) and developing fetuses. Too much lead in one’s body may lead to a number of conditions such as learning and developmental disabilities, decreased growth, hyperactivity, impaired hearing and brain damage. Lead can pass from mother to unborn child.

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