Elevated Lead Levels In Water Not Found In Head Start Classrooms
ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4)- The elevated levels of lead found in the building of a Jefferson County Head Start in Arvada were not found in classrooms. When students returned to school on Monday, they were drinking bottled water.
Final test results announced on Friday showed a lead result of 180 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency's "action level" for lead is 15 parts per billion. The action level is a threshold requiring additional testing, monitoring, and remediation.
Samples from three different areas in the Head Start building, a conference room, an office and a maintenance area, showed elevated levels.
Jefferson County officials says despite those results, student classrooms are safe.
"We took action right away to do additional sampling. In fact, more than 60 samples were collected from the distribution system in the school," said Jefferson County Public Health Services Director Jim Rada.
While the areas of contamination have been identified, there is no resolution on where the lead is coming from. Until health officials know the source the school will provide bottled water for drinking, washing and cooking.
"We feel very confident that the building is safe. We have worked with the county and our emergency management folks to ensure there's an adequate supply," said Rada.
As early as March 3, school staff noticed that the water was discolored and tasted funny. Three weeks later, on March 28, a sample was taken for testing.
Additional Information from Jefferson County:
The building will remain open and alternative water will continue to be provided for drinking, washing and cooking as officials continue to assess the water issue. Head Start continues to work with all families to ensure that their children are up-to-date on their preventive care, which includes lead risk assessments and screenings. Head Start families are encouraged to talk with their Family Support Specialists and/or the Head Start nurse and/or Jefferson County Public Health to ensure their required preventive care and screenings are up to date.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that all U.S. children are at risk for lead poisoning and recommends babies and children be screened for lead, especially those living in older homes. The screening includes a risk assessment which can help families prevent future exposures. "It is a good idea to have your baby and young child screened for lead exposure regardless of the current situation at Head Start, said Dr. Margaret Huffman, DN, MBA, RN, Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) Community Health Services Director. "The lead screening provides an assessment guideline for babies and young children as a health monitoring tool."
Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) recommends that anyone who has questions or concerns regarding a child's exposure to lead please contact their primary doctor to setup an appointment for a lead exposure screening. If you are unable to schedule an appointment with your primary health care provider, call Jefferson County Public Health (303-232-6301) for resources in our community. In addition, and because lead exposure can come from many environmental sources, parents are reminded that providing children with healthy foods high in calcium, iron and vitamin C may help keep lead out of the body. Calcium is in milk yogurt, cheese and green, leafy vegetables like spinach. Iron is in lean red meats, beans, peanut butter and cereals. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, green and red peppers and juice.
