Gasoline-Contaminated Water Originated From Framingham Poland Springs Plant

An Essex County child was hospitalized after drinking contaminated water that was bottled at a Framingham Poland Springs plant.

According to a release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the water had been bottled in containers that were previously used to transport gasoline.

“After Super Storm Sandy struck the eastern seaboard in October, some gasoline shortages were reported in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, and some residents used empty containers such as large water bottles to transport gasoline,” the release said.

The contamination could impact three and five gallon containers of water that have been bottled since Nov. 1, 2012.

“In the past three months, bottled water companies have detected and blocked from reuse an increased number of returned water bottles found to contain gasoline residue or fumes. However, despite these detection efforts, as well as disinfection and sanitization protocols, a very small number of contaminated bottles are believed to have made it through the detection process and back into consumer use.”

According to the DPH, at low levels of exposure the compounds are usually excreted in urine, however swallowing the chemicals could irritate the mouth and digestive tract causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Consumers are urged to check their large water containers for any odor before using the bottle. Clean water is odorless and should not have any chemical smell.

If you are concerned about a bottle do not drink or use the water in it. Contact your water provider to make arrangements for a replacement.