More California Schools Test Positive for Lead in Drinking Water

KPIX 5 recently broadcast a report about water fountains being shut off at a number of Berkley, California schools. This was a direct result of water tests that found elevated lead levels. According to the station, at least six schools, ranging from a preschool to a high school, have had fountains shut off.

The presence of elevated levels of lead in drinking water can be a health threat to anyone, but this is especially true for children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement. And effects of lead exposure cannot be corrected.”

Samples from 20 schools were reportedly taken with one drinking fountain showing 17 times the acceptable lead level. Water samples from school districts in California above 15 ppb require them to take action to fix the problem. The Berkley area fountains with lead issues will be addressed according to the school district and then retested.

“Lead is not frequently found in source water, it typically enters tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, including lead pipes, solder and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “These plumbing materials can leach significant amounts of lead into water, especially with hot water.”

A new state law requires school districts to test their water for lead, but this is not mandatory until July of 2019. Parents, teachers and students concerned about the water they are exposed to today can turn to LA Testing for comprehensive lead testing services, all of the sampling supplies necessary, and an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit. If test results indicate elevated lead levels, corrective actions can then be taken to fix the problem. The California water testing experts at LA Testing have even sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/1MhhreaWOv8.

To learn more about lead or other environmental testing services, please visit www.LATesting.com, email  info@LATesting.com  or call (800) 755-1794.  For access to the Drinking Water Test Kit, visit www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.

About LA Testing

LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, CDC Elite, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Huntington Beach, San Leandro and San Diego.

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