Parents Concerned about Lead Contamination in Students’ Drinking Water

Ever since elevated levels of lead were found in drinking water in Flint, water quality and lead contamination have garnered the media’s attention. Recent high profile cases involving schools have caused concern for many parents across the United States. 

Just last month, New Jersey’s largest school district shut off water fountains in 30 buildings throughout the district and another district in New York reported elevated levels of lead in 238 devices at their facilities.  These are just a few of the many media reports so far this year about lead contamination concerns in the nation’s schools. In fact, USA Today recently published an article about potential lead contamination in hundreds of schools and daycare centers nationwide.

Although the main source of lead exposure in children is believed to continue to be caused by exposure to lead-based paint chips and dusts, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 20% or more of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water.

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes and other buildings. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems and other issues. Although everyone is at risk of exposure to lead, children six years old and under are considered to be most at risk.

“Unfortunately, lead was used in water lines, solder and some plumbing fixtures in the past,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These materials are still in place and used to deliver water in many areas, often causing the problems we face today. There is no known safe lead blood level so it’s important to identify sources of lead in drinking water to prevent exposure and lead poisoning.”

To help protect the public and children in homes and schools, EMSL Analytical, Inc. offers comprehensive water testing for lead, other heavy metals, and chemical and biological contaminants. EMSL also offers a consumer-friendly Drinking Water Test Kit that can be found at www.EMSLTestKits.com. In addition, they have sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.

To learn more about lead or other environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental, indoor air quality, consumer product and materials testing services and products for professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies. 

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail