The Oakland Unified School District in Northern California recently disclosed that nearly 200 drinking fountains and water faucets across multiple schools had elevated levels of lead that tested above the district’s standards. Out of over 1,000 faucets and fountains tested at 40 schools, nearly 17% were found to have lead levels above the district’s standard of 5 parts per billion, more strict than state and federal guidelines of 15 ppb set by the EPA.
Fixtures with elevated lead levels were taken out of service for repairs, with 61 already fixed and awaiting retesting. The district advised families to ensure children have reusable water bottles to access filtered water stations on campuses.
The lack of communication regarding the lead testing results has outraged families and staff, with many feeling blindsided by the news. Parents and teachers are calling for transparency and immediate action to provide safe drinking water for students. Lead exposure, particularly harmful to young children, can cause serious health effects such as brain and nervous system damage, learning and behavior issues, and hearing and speech problems. The effects of lead exposure are believed to be irreversible, according to the World Health Organization.
Public health agencies recommend parents talk to their healthcare provider about potential blood lead testing for children to detect lower levels of exposure, as symptoms may not be obvious. The school district has pledged to improve communication and notification processes to ensure families are promptly informed of any future testing taking place on school campuses.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com