School District Learns of Elevated Levels of Lead Coming from Some Water Fixtures

The Mount Baker School District in Washington released a letter to the community earlier this year about lead levels coming out of some water fixtures at several area schools. According to the school district, in the fall of last year, it requested assistance from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to test drinking water sources in its school buildings.

Test results indicated the local junior high and high school had some water fixtures with lead levels that required action by the district. In response, some fixtures in the schools have been taken out of service with the appropriate signage placed, alternative sources of water have been provided, and the district is working with DOH on remediation efforts and replacing some water fixtures.

“Throughout the country, there has been a renewed focus on testing schools and day care centers for lead hazards in water,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Numerous media reports about elevated lead levels being detected at many school facilities has dramatically raised awareness of this important topic and spurred parents and teachers in many districts to request their water be tested.”

Elevated lead levels in the water that students drink are especially concerning to parents because children are particularly vulnerable to this heavy metal. 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.”

While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter the water supply as it comes in contact with plumbing materials that contain it. In most circumstances, lead enters tap water through the corrosion of these plumbing materials, especially when hot water is involved. These materials may include lead pipes, solder, and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures.

The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. work to identify lead and other water contaminants. Their laboratories analyze water samples for heavy metals, microbial contaminants, chemicals and other pollutants. They even offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit and have sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at: http://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.

To learn more about lead and water testing or other environmental, health and safety services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . To access the Drinking Water Test Kit, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail