More Reports of Lead Lurking in School Drinking Fountains and Homes

Recently, the Capital Gazette published an article that stated at least 19 schools in Anne Arundel County have been found to have elevated levels of lead in their water. One high school in the Maryland district reportedly had 71 water outlets that tested above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold level to take action.

Reports of elevated lead levels in school drinking water have become all too common over the past few years, but lead concerns are not just a school issue. In August, the Bloomfield Patch reported that 15 of 61 homes in Bloomfield, New Jersey had elevated lead levels in their water. That was almost 25% of the homes that were tested as part of routine lead sampling required by the EPA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

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.”

“Any school, building or home in the U.S. that was constructed before 1986 is more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “This is important to recognize because lead is rarely found in source water, rather it typically enters tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead. Those concerned about the possible presence of lead or other water contaminants in their school, home or business can turn to EMSL Analytical for answers. EMSL analyzes water samples for lead and other heavy metals, microbial contaminants and a wide range of additional pollutants. We even offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit to provide people with peace of mind about what is in their water.”

EMSL recently 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 is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 45 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