Private Preschool in California Closed for Business Due to Lead Exposure Hazards

KGET recently broadcasted a report about concerns over exposure to lead hazards at a Bakersfield, California preschool. According to the station, the preschool became the focus of potential lead exposure risks after a child that attended the school was found to have elevated blood lead levels.

The Environmental Health Division of Kern Public Health got involved and evaluated the facility for lead. The agency found paint and soil levels from samples taken by the playground, which were above regulatory standards. This prompted the temporary suspension of the private preschool’s license to operate until the situation can be resolved.

Parents of children that attended the preschool have been advised to have their children tested for lead. Exposure to lead often occurs with no obvious symptoms, so it can easily go unnoticed or be attributed to other conditions. To help identify cases of lead poisoning, the Oregon Health Authority provides the following list of possible signs and symptoms in children.  They include:

• Tiredness or loss of energy
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability or crankiness
• Reduced attention span
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Constipation
• Aches or pains in the child’s stomach

“The two primary ways most children are exposed to lead include ingestion and inhalation,” said Michael Chapman, Laboratory Manager at LA Testing’s Huntington Beach facility. “A major source of exposure, as appears to likely be the case with this preschool, comes from lead-based paints that were used up until the late 1970s.  Drinking water is another potential source as lead was used in the past in some plumbing fixtures and even water service lines.”

Identifying potential lead exposure hazards from paints, air, water, dust, surfaces and soil samples are the experts at LA Testing. The environmental laboratory specialists offer comprehensive analytical services, sampling supplies and easy-to-use test kits. LA Testing has even sponsored an educational video about possible signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in children that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/HprCSwxWl0k.

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 lead and other easy-to-use indoor environmental quality (IEQ) test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.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.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

LA Testing

(1) 856-303-2503

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