Monday night, the Mahoning County Health Department tested 32 Sebring residents for lead poisoning and found one with an elevated blood lead level. Altogether, more than 200 people in the Sebring area have been tested since officials disclosed nearly two weeks ago that water in seven homes had lead levels above federal safety standards. 

Pat Sweeney is the Mahoning County health commissioner. She says a positive test doesn’t necessarily mean the person’s water supply is to blame.  

“Water generally isn’t a primary source of lead contamination; it’s generally the deteriorating lead paint or lead in the dust," says Sweeney.

"But lead in water can contribute to an elevated blood lead level. So it would indicate that they need to have that level verified by a physician. And if it is truly high, then an environmental assessment would need to be completed so they could understand where that individual may have been exposed to lead.” 

The status of the six Sebring residents is unknown, due to federal privacy law. A Mahoning County spokeswoman says all have been referred to their physicians for further assessment. 

The water treatment plant operator has been removed from duty and remains under investigation by the state and federal EPA. He denies wrongdoing.