Students to Be Tested for Lead Poisoning and Ways to Identify Exposure Risks in Homes and Schools

Lead exposure can have a devastating impact on the health and well-being of everyone, but children are especially vulnerable. Lead poisoning can occur from exposure to lead in the home, at a school or daycare, or anywhere children spend time.

To address lead in water concerns in schools across Indianapolis, the Marion County Health Department published a report with water test results from almost 300 school facilities this past January. The information provided showed that 8,842 samples were collected and analyzed over a 16 month period. Of those samples, 475 were in violation of the EPA standard. The samples that were in violation came from approximately 54% of the facilities tested. The water fixtures that failed have all been taken out of service or fixed according to the document.

In response to additional lead exposure concerns for students in the area that could be coming from homes or elsewhere, the Marion County Health Department, City of Indianapolis and local NAACP branch announced in September a new lead testing initiative. Kindergarten and first grade students from dozens of schools in the area will be offered free blood lead tests.

“One of the most important things parents can do right now is to stop their children from coming into contact with lead in the first place,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The water tests that were conducted and blood tests being offered to some students is a key step in the right direction. Parents also need to recognize that similar lead contamination issues could be coming from the water tap or from lead-based paints found in their own homes. For those concerned about these real exposure hazards, EMSL offers lead testing services for water, air, dust, soil and paint chips. With a laboratory in Indianapolis and dozens more across North America, EMSL provides sampling supplies, easy-to-use test kits and laboratory testing services. Test results provide parents with peace of mind or the information they need to stop exposure risks that their children and families could be facing on a daily basis from the inside or outside of their home.”

EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about protecting children from lead poisoning that can be seen at:  http://youtu.be/LkEqFhNDS-U.

To learn more about lead or other indoor air quality (IAQ), environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com . For access to environmental test kits, 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