Lead tests recommended for neighbors of Port Huron factory

Health officials are recommending that some people living near a Michigan factory get tested for lead exposure.

The Times Herald of Port Huron is reporting The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality found toxic metal in soil samples in the area surrounding Mueller Brass.

DEQ Quality spokeswoman Tiffany Brown says in an email the agency has seen increasing concentrations in the air at an area monitoring station over the past year.

The cause of the lead levels isn't known and is still under investigation. The exact level of the lead found in the soil has not been released. 

The St. Clair County Health Department sent a letter to those they recommend get tested. The letter was reportedly sent to addresses bounded by Water, Taylor, Botsford, Howard and 12th streets. 

The St. Clair County Health Department will offer free blood testing for some residents on June 26. Other testing options including making an appointment with the health department or with a doctor. 

Port Huron is located about 60 miles northeast of Detroit and is home to the Blue Water Bridge to Canada.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report