Is Lead Lurking in the Water at Your Local Schools?

Recently, the Dayton Daily News published an investigative report about the presence of lead in the water at numerous schools in the Dayton, Ohio area. According to the article, elevated lead levels were found in water from drinking fountains or faucets at more than a dozen local school buildings over the last couple of years.

Unfortunately, stories about elevated lead levels in the water at the nation’s schools are an all too common occurrence and have been reported from coast to coast. Just last year, The Salt Lake Tribune published an article about water tests being conducted in Utah schools. According to their report, water samples from 249 schools had been analyzed for lead and almost 90% of the schools had some lead in their water.

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.” Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level is 15 parts per billion (ppb) for lead from public water systems.

“Lead is rarely found in source water,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “It typically enters tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, including lead pipes, solder and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. These can leach significant amounts of lead into water, especially with hot water.”

Parents, teachers and school administrators concerned about the possible presence of lead or other water contaminants at their schools can turn to EMSL Analytical for water testing answers. EMSL analyzes water samples for heavy metals, microbial contaminants and other pollutants.  The water testing experts 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: https://youtu.be/1MhhreaWOv8.

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, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 44 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