State Orders Shutdown Over Lead Levels at Water Gremlin

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) _ Authorities have shut down production at a Minnesota company amid concerns about lead poisoning among plant workers' children.

State agencies say Water Gremlin hasn't done enough to limit workers' exposure to lead dust at its White Bear Township facility. At least 12 children of employees have been found with elevated blood levels of lead, including two with levels above the threshold considered to be a serious health risk.

The Department of Labor and Industry used its authority Monday to order a 72-hour shutdown and asked a Ramsey County judge to order the shutdown extended until the company takes the necessary steps to protect the workers' children.

Water Gremlin officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The company was fined $7 million earlier this year for other environmental violations.