Black Millennials for Flint: Official Testimony DC Council and Board of Education: Lead in Public Facilities

Black Millennials for Flint’s Official TestimonyDC Council Hearing: Lead in Public Facilities

June 22, 2016

COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION and COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION & THE ENVIRONMENT TESTIMONY

Re: Lead Testing in Public Facilities

LaTricea Adams—President/Founder Black Millennials for Flint

Greetings Chairperson Grosso, Chairperson Cheh and other distinguished committee members.  I want to thank you for this opportunity to address Lead Testing in Public Facilities.

My name is LaTricea Adams, President and Founder of Black Millennials for Flint, a grassroots, environmental advocacy group with special interests in diminishing the occurrences of lead exposure.  

We are very concerned with the recent emergence of elevated lead levels that have surfaced at our schools in the District.  We come before you today to present viable solutions to ensure ALL of our children in the District of Columbia regardless of their neighborhood or socioeconomic status, have access to lead free drinking water in their schools.

We propose the following solutions:  

Fully accessible and comprehensive Water Sample Results

DC has an extremely diverse population of children and families from all parts of the world speaking many different languages representative of their respective native countries.  The water sample results presented on the Department of General Services website does not provide translated versions of the water sample results.  It is imperative that the water sample reports are translated for all the respective native languages of families who speak English as a second language and made available online just as the English versions.

Provide a detailed, public, and actionable timeline of remaining schools to be tested as well as transparency with re-testing statuses for schools with remediation plans for water sources exceeding the EPA recommended limit.

Develop a more user friendly, data visualization tool to present data results to the public outside of the tables provided in the current pdf files

Compare data between schools to assess the equity in the progress of deescalating the presence lead in drinking water

Establish parent and community meetings (not to exceed 48 hours after written communication has been distributed) after schools have been flagged as having water sources with elevated lead levels (this in addition to written communication sent home by students or posted online)

There should also be translators available to provide an equitable opportunity to engage parents who speak English as a second language.  

Rigid Criteria for Remediation Strategies

Provide detailed information regarding the research-based quality of filters used

Provide immediate (not to exceed 48 hours) results of the quality of filtered water

Provide transparency regarding the source of the lead contamination included in the report (e.g. Determine if pipes from contaminated water sources are corrosive and may be contributing to the potential elevated lead levels)

Alternative Clean Water Accessibility

Provide water coolers (with paper cups to remain “green”) in areas in schools where water fountains are inaccessible

Thank you for your attention to this important issue and your commitment to the health and access to lead free water for all of our children in the District of Columbia.

Black Millennials for Flint’s District of Columbia State Board of Education Public Meeting Statement: 

Post-Lead Poisoning Treatment for DC Students

July 20, 2016

DC STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PUBLIC MEETING

Re: Post-Lead Poisoning Treatment for DC Students

LaTricea Adams—President/Founder Black Millennials for Flint

Greetings DC Stateboard members.  I want to thank you for this opportunity to speak with you this evening regarding next steps regarding potential lead exposure of our children in the district.  

My name is LaTricea Adams, President and Founder of Black Millennials for Flint, a grassroots, environmental advocacy group with special interests in diminishing the occurrences of lead exposure.  

DC is no stranger to issues with water quality.  Between 2001-2004, DC water had startling lead levels when the Washington Aqueduct, which supplies city water, changed its treatment chemical from chlorine to chloramine which in turn caused pipes to corrode, allowing lead to leach from the city’s older pipes into the water supply. We are heartbroken that 15 years later the issue has emerged once again—putting our children at risk of an array of critical health issues.  

Lead is particularly dangerous for children under the age of 6 (but a health risk for all despite age). Exposure to high lead levels in a short period of time is called acute toxicity. Exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time is called chronic toxicity.

Lead poisoning can lead to a variety of health problems in children, including:

• decreased bone and muscle growth
• poor muscle coordination
• damage to the nervous system, kidneys, and/or hearing
• speech and language problems
• developmental delay
• seizures and unconsciousness (in cases of extremely high lead levels)

While we are champions in support of the recent bill proposed by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh in which the Washington City Papers quotes her as stating:

“In order to maintain their certifications, the facilities would have to demonstrate to the District proof of compliance. Lead tests would be required annually; the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, which oversees child development facilities, would manage a new fund to help sites install filters if it were to pose "an undue financial hardship.”

“Children in the District of Columbia deserve access to safe, clean drinking water, and it is time for the government to adopt a proactive, rather than reactive, strategy towards lead control in our public water sources,” Cheh said in a statement. “To ensure immediate communication with parents and community members"—a lack of which D.C. officials acknowledged when the lead levels came to light—"test results must be posted within five business days. With these new regulations, we are not only setting a national standard but are remedying previous shortcomings in protecting District children.”

The part of Councilwoman Cheh’s statement that resonates with us the most this evening is “…remedying shortcomings in protecting District children.” What resources, programs, and the like will be provided to children who may have already been substantially exposed to lead?  According to a statement from a licensed pediatrician at the June 2016 DC Council Public Hearing regarding Lead in Public Facilities, depending on the length of time of initial exposure to lead and the actual lead screening, the test may not adequately demonstrate an accurate lead toxicity level due to lead being absorbed in the bones.  What policies are in place or are being discussed to ensure that the District is doing their due diligence to ensure ALL children have been properly evaluated (not just with a routine screening) and that proper recourse is taken? How is the State Board of Education been working in tangent with DC Council to ensure that any recommendations for policy addresses the whole child?  Though research supports that lead exposure is not reversible, there are several actions that can prevent some of the major side effects of lead exposure/poisoning.  

We are asking for support from the DC State Board of Education to consider the following recommendations for policy regarding post-lead poisoning treatment for any child in the District (including the span of students covered under IDEA):  

• Encourage a school lunch regimen for all LEAs (including DCPS and Charters) to include foods that are rich in the nutrients which fight lead poisoning
• Encourage LEAs to provide additional wraparound services specifically for families with students diagnosed with development delay (limited to students under the age of 7), emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, or other specific learning disabilities (or students with a 504 plan that outlines health conditions that trace back to lead poisoning) [the aforementioned diagnoses are most commonly effects of lead poisoning]
• Collect and closely monitor the proportionality of suspensions (and expulsions) of students within the aforementioned special population in comparison to the general population for all DCPS and DC Public Charter Schools
• Work closely with DC Council, the Office of the State Superintendent, and if possible, the DC Department of General Services to ensure there is alignment in recommendations for policy as well as congruency in communication to parents and families
• Potentially amend the current LEA Report Card criteria to include aspects outlined in DC Councilwoman Cheh’s prospective bill to assess each LEA’s progress and commitment to addressing both preventative and restorative actions in regards to lead exposure

Thank you for your attention to this important issue and your commitment to the health and access to lead free water for all of our children in the District of Columbia.

Sincerely,

LaTricea Adams, MAT, EdS

President/Founder

Black Millennials for Flint

Please learn more about Black Millennials for Flint

http://www.blackmillennials4flint.org/about-us/

Black Millennials For Flint (#BM4F) is a grassroots,
environmental justice and civil rights organization with the purpose of bringing like-minded organizations
together to collectively take action and advocate against the crisis of lead exposure specifically in
African American & Latino communities throughout the nation.

Read the official letter they submitted with the Sierra Club to DC Council  

Check out the following links from their testimony before DC Council & DC State Board of Education. 

Prince George's County School Board Does Not Allow Words of School Board Members

Watch the Chair of the Prince George's County School Board cut off the words of School Board members  Juwan Blocker and Edward Burroughs on two occasions.

Parents Protest Unhealthy District Heights School Conditions

A Mother's Story of Child Injured by Mold at PGCPS District Heights Elementary School

A Mother's Story of Child Injured by Mold at PGCPS District Heights Elementary School

Grandmothers Story District Heights Elementary Safe Schools

Testimony on Lead, Mold, Cell Towers and Administrative Leave at PGCPS Board of Education

At the May 11, 2017 Board of Education meeting teachers, staff and parents testified for immediate action to fix the environmental health issues.

District Heights Elementary School Has Mold And Unhealthy Air Quality

District Heights Elementary School Mold/Air Assessment Shows The Air was Unhealthy and Not Safe! 

PGCPS is not informing the community about the carbon dioxide levels and is relying on outdated laws that do not ensure school air is safe fir children are staff. In the press releases dated April 6 2017 and April 21, 2017 PGCPS left out important information.

Facts and Documentation

PGCPS released a April 18, 2017 air quality report on District Heights Elementary. Earlier they released a April 4 2017 air quality report . 

Findings Include:
1. Carbon Dioxide levels are too HIGH with several above 1000 and above 900! 

• The April 18, 2017 air quality report  hows that in four District Heights classrooms Classroom 2, Classroom 5, Classroom 7, Classroom M19. Carbon Dioxide levels were found be  above 900 in Classroom 1, Classroom PreK Classroom 2, Classroom 11, Classroom 13, Classroom 15, Classroom 10. 
• The April 4 2017 air quality report shows the amount of Carbon Dioxide was also at very very HIGH levels: Classroom K2 had from 1,287 ppm, Classroom 10 had 1,892, Classroom 7B had 2,200 and Classroom 4 had 2,346 ppm.  The background outside air level was 466 ppm!

2. Black Mold was found. 
400 m3 of Stachybotrys was found in room M-18 according to the April 18, 2017 Report (see page 22). Stachybotrys is considered a toxic black mold and was not found in the outside air according to the test results. Therefore it must have come from an inside mold problem. note: The earlier report dated April 4th also found Stachybotrys but at a lower level of 40 m3.

If you disturb the contaminated areas with this type of mold,  the dust created can increase exposure to the fungus and its metabolites. Could that be why the level went from 40 to 400 in just a few weeks and the 400 level was found when- according to the report- work was being done in the room? Was care taken to prevent the dust from going into other classrooms. 

According to the CDC, "In 2004 the Institute of Medicine (IOM) found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people; with asthma symptoms in people with asthma; and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition. The IOM also found limited or suggestive evidence linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children."

3. Several mold species were present in District Heights Classrooms which can cause asthma like symptoms. 
Testing from both reports shows molds such as  Myxomycetes, Pithomyces, Cladosporium and Dicyma. Classroom 4 had the worst air quality in the first report.

4. Toxic chemicals used in the building has sickened staff and children: Staff and parents are reporting that when contractors came into to "clean" the mold a chemical smell went through the entire building and made people lightheaded and sick. Apparently, the air handler was on and brought the strong chemicals into EVERY room in the building. Cleaning chemicals for mold can be toxic and they should not have been used with children in the building. 

5. Pictures from the school clearly show mold and neglect. Please notice the very very dirty filter from the air handler? Does this seem healthy to you?  Take a look at the mold. Does this seem healthy to you ? 










Read the April 18, 2017 Report Here
Read the April 4 2017 air quality report 

PGCPS District Heights Elementary School IAQ Report 04-18-2017 (1117-150)High Carbon Dioxide Levels  you can download it from this link above. 

What Parents and Staff Need To Know:

 Carbon Dioxide levels over 900ppm are too high and unhealthy.  

Contrary to PGCPS conclusions of safety in the building, research shows that high levels of carbon dioxide effects brain function, attention, memory and concentration.  A Harvard School of Public Health study found that high CO2 levels -in the 1,000 parts per million concentration like in District Heights classrooms have a direct and negative impact on human cognition and decision-making. They found that, on average, a typical participant’s cognitive scores dropped 21 percent with a 400 ppm increase in CO2. 

"Our findings show impacts above the 95th percentile of CO2 (945 ppm) "
" Evidence mounts for CO2 as a direct pollutant, not just a marker for other pollutants (Satish et al. 2012). We found statistically significant declines in cognitive function scores when CO2 concentrations were increased to levels that are common in indoor spaces (approximately 950 ppm). 
Read the study here. 

Research shows inadequate classroom ventilation, as evidenced by CO2 concentration exceeding 1000 ppm is  associated with reduced school attendance. Read the study here. 

How long have children and staff been breathing this air?
Why isn't clean air a priority in PGCPS school? 

According to the World Health Organization Report

A study of the respiratory health of 4,600 children from six cities in the northeast USA demonstrated that the presence of mold and dampness in the homes were correlated to several respiratory symptoms as well as a number of non-respiratory symptoms. The effect was of similar dimension to parental smoking (Brunekreef et al., 1989). Two studies involving 15,000 children and 18,000 adults from 30 communities in Canada came to similar conclusions. The authors concluded that a non-allergenic mechanism was involved. A dose-effect was also seen in that more visible mold yielded more symptoms. 

Overall the mold contamination was associated with a 50% increase in asthma and a 60% increase in upper respiratory disease (Dales et al., 1991a; 1991b). A large European study (Zock et al., 2002) including 38 study centres worldwide and 19,000 adults concluded that indoor mold growth has an adverse effect on adult asthma. Reported mold exposure in the last year was associated with asthma symptoms and bronchial responsiveness (OR range, 1.14-1.44). This effect was homogeneous among centers and stronger in subjects sensitized to Cladosporium species. As in the Canadian studies, the authors concluded that both allergic and non-allergic mold related effects were involved in the health outcomes. There is some evidence that exposure to environmental molds may play a role in asthma-related mortality (Targonski et al., 1995).

Read IT HERE

There're no federal standards for "safe" levels of mold. So when PGCPS states it is not breaking any standard, that is because standards are not set that have considered these health effects. 

Q and A on Air Quality

What constitutes a “safe” level of mold? 

In an air sample, mold counts should be equal to or below outdoor counts. There should be no stachybotrys. Not one spore. Aspergillus should be present only at negligible levels. The standard in Belgium requires no more than 2 1/2 percent aspergillus in the total count. However in District Heights Classroom 4 had 8% for example, much higher than Belgium allows.

Why is mold a problem? 

Stachybotrys and other mold may produce several toxic chemicals called mycotoxins. Mycotoxins can be present in spores and small mold fragments released into the air. Once in the air, children and teachers and staff may breathe them into their lungs and have symptoms.

Why do we call this "toxic"? 
Because any exposure that causes memory problems or brain problems or increased asthma issues is toxic! Kids cannot learn in toxic environments. Kids cannot learn when they are having respiratory issues.

Research Cited

Harvard Study Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers

Carbon dioxide toxicity and climate change: a serious unapprehended risk for human health by P.N. Bierwirth, PhD Australian National University 

Carbon dioxide toxicity and climate change: a serious

unapprehended risk for human health

Carbon dioxide toxicity and climate change: a serious

unapprehended risk for human health

Classroom carbon dioxide concentration, school attendance, and educational attainment.

Effects of toxic exposure to molds and mycotoxins in building-related illnesses.

Basidiomycete mycelia and spore-allergen extracts: skin test reactivity in adults with symptoms of respiratory allergy.

Sensitization to Airborne Ascospores, Basidiospores, and Fungal Fragments in Allergic Rhinitis and Asthmatic Subjects 

Neurobehavioral and pulmonary impairment in 105 adults with indoor exposure to molds compared to 100 exposed to chemicals.

"A number of studies have identified CO2 associated symptoms and respiratory diseases such as sneezing, rales, wheezing, rhinitis, and asthma (Carreiro-Martins et al. 2014; Ferreira and Cardoso 2014). Other symptoms, cough, headache, and irritation of mucous membranes, were also identified (Ferreira and Cardoso 2014). Lack of concentration was associated with CO2 concentrations above 1000 ppm. Gaihre et al. (2014) found that CO2 concentrations exceeding 1000 ppm is associated with reduced school attendance. Teachers also report neuro- physiologic (i.e., headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating) symptoms at CO2 levels greater than 1000 ppm (Muscatiello et al. 2015)."

P.N. Bierwirth, PhD Read it here.

New Air Quality Test Released: District Heights Classrooms Have High Carbon Dioxide Levels

PGCPS release d a second air quality report on District Heights Elementry where children and staff were getting sick. 

Findings Include:
1. Carbon Dioxide levels are too HIGH above 1000 ! in four District Heights classrooms Classroom 2, Classroom 5, Classroom 7, Classroom M19. 

Carbon Dioxide levels are above 900 in Classroom 1, Classroom PreK Classroom 2, Classroom 11, Classroom 13, Classroom 15, Classroom 10. 

Contrary to PGCPS conclusions, Carbon Dioxide levels over 900ppm are too high and unhealthy.  Research shows that high levels of carbon dioxide effects brain function, attention, memory and concentration.  A Harvard School of Public Health study found that high CO2 levels -in the 1,000 parts per million concentration like in District Heights classrooms have a direct and negative impact on human cognition and decision-making. They found that, on average, a typical participant’s cognitive scores dropped 21 percent with a 400 ppm increase in CO2. 

"Our findings show impacts above the 95th percentile of CO2 (945 ppm) "
" Evidence mounts for CO2 as a direct pollutant, not just a marker for other pollutants (Satish et al. 2012). We found statistically significant declines in cognitive function scores when CO2 concentrations were increased to levels that are common in indoor spaces (approximately 950 ppm). 
Read the study here. 

Research shows inadequate classroom ventilation, as evidenced by CO2 concentration exceeding 1000 ppm is  associated with reduced school attendance. Read the study here. 

Research Cited

Harvard Study Associations of Cognitive Function Scores with Carbon Dioxide, Ventilation, and Volatile Organic Compound Exposures in Office Workers

Classroom carbon dioxide concentration, school attendance, and educational attainment.

Unfortunately no law is broken with the levels as regulations always take decades catch up with best available science. 

Read the Report Here 

PGCPS District Heights Elementary School IAQ Report 04-18-2017 (1117-150)High Carbon Dioxide Levels  

We posted on this issue last week.
Read the First Report released from the initial testing that also found high carbon dioxide here 

See the protest by parents and citizens here.

The EPA States A Safe Level Of Lead in Water is Zero

0 ppb is the EPA  Maximum Contaminant Level Goal- A Health Standard- for Lead in Water Limit 

Read it here https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water

“Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause low IQ, hearing impairment, reduced attention span, and poor classroom performance.”

20 ppb is not safe. 15 ppb is not safe. 10 ppb is not safe. 0 is safe.

Read it here EPA DRINKING WATER STANDARDS AND HEALTH ADVISORIES TABLE https://www3.epa.gov/region9/water/drinking/files/dwshat-v09.pdf

PGCPS Letter on Lead Contamination in School Water March 22, 2017

PGCPS Letter on Lead in School Water March 22 1017 

ALERT: PGCPS Water is Not Safe CONFIRMED by PGCPS Who States They Made An Error

Confirmed: Emergency Situation! Confirmed by PGCPSL Several PGCPS fountains are Lead Contaminated ! AND PGCPS is not informing parents nor recommending lead tests if high lead levels are found: A Lawsuit in the Making.

Alert to All Parents: PGCPS just wrote a letter clarifying the following:

1. PGCPS is using an outdated antiquated allowable lead limits tat would NOT BE ALLOWED IN OUR  HOME WATER. 

This means that water fountains are not safe to drink from. 

2. PGCPS refuses to inform parents that might need to go to their pediatrician if a high lead level was found.  

Please see the letter below where it states that THEY MADE AN ERROR. 

Read my questions and their answer. 

PGCPS decided not to fully answer my questions so I am writing each question here with the PGCPS response for your information. 

Dear Dr. Maxwell,

I read with interest the press release that the county is going to launch the final phase of the water quality program and I would like to tell you how thankful I am that the county is finally dealing with this very important problem.

I was reading your press release entitled, “PGCPS TO LAUNCH FINAL PHASE OF WATER QUALITY PROGRAM” and had some very specific questions for you in regards to some of the statements that have been made and I appreciate in advance your clarification and answers to each of these questions:

The press release states that “We are confident that our buildings have safe drinking water and we want the public to have no doubt.” Could you please clarify how you are confident that the buildings have safe drinking water because when I took a look at the testing over the last six years that have been done in the schools I saw that there were several schools that have lead levels that range anywhere from 5 to 20 PPB. I understand from the documents that you sent me that the water fountains that were turned off are those that are over 20 ppm. So are there fountains on which are allowing lead levels that are just under the EPA threshold but that clearly a contaminated with lead? As you are aware because it has been six years since some of these tests have been done it is very possible that water sources that have a level of 13 could now be at 22. We simply don't know. Please clarify how you know that the drinking water is safe.

The March 6 letter can be found here. 

The March 22, 2017 letter can be found here 

None clarify how PGCPS has safe water for children. 

2. The press release states that, “PGCPS will begin installing filtered water fountains this summer at all schools.” I would like to ask what you are doing now to ensure the children have access to healthy water. I have written several times and you have stated that they are given bottled water  to the children but when I and parents ask specifically -details about this- they are not given answers. For example,  is water available in the classroom? Does a child need to go all the way down to the front office to get the water? Can you please describe for each school exactly how the children are provided available water and how many water bottles they are allowed to have during the day? Please also share how teachers and staff are being provided clean water.

PGCPS Response:

December 12 letter is here.

3. Your press release states that, “There are no federal or state mandates for annual testing.” Yes that is true and it is shameful that this country does not have a system in place so that parents can be assured that the water is safe. I would like to point out that there is a Maryland Bill calling for regular water testing in the state. I would like to ask that you support this bill and contribute to the discussion and share with our state legislators the challenges that the county is facing right now and the need for state and federal support.  Please tell me how you are supporting this Bill. Please share how you can support additional legislation in regards to to the issue of lead poisoning in schools.

4. The water quality page states that “5,238 (approximately 30%) found to be at or above the 20 ppb EPA action level.” There seems to be some confusion which I would like to get clarity on. In one letter you wrote me stating that you were using the EPA action level of 15 ppb. In yet another letter you wrote me that you were using the action letter of 20 ppb. I have that detailed in full here.  So I guess my question is which lead contaminant action level have you been using for the last half decade? 15 or 20 ppb? Are water taps  which have under 20 ppb  still allowed to be on in the Prince George’s County school system?  If so why?

5. The water quality page states that “During the construction of new schools, the water will be tested at the property line and from all drinking water sources. Any water that tests above 10 parts per billion (ppb) will be remediated.” Again,  I would like to point out that the EPA action level is 15 ppb.  However this is not a safe amount of lead in the water and it is my understanding that anything over one part per billion  is unsafe for children because there is no safe level of lead for children. Please read the American Academy of Pediatrics Report which states how 0 ppb  is the health standard.  Can you please explain why you are not using zero as the acceptable level of lead to be allowed in our children's classrooms?

Response to #4 below

6. The water quality page shares the 2004 testing that was done but no where do I see the  2008 through 2016 testing that was done. Here it is: 2011 -2012 PGCPS Lead Level testing, PGCPS Lead Testing Done in 2014, PGCPS Lead Testing of Ardmore in 2015,, PGCPS Lead Testing Done in 2010, PGCPS Lead Testing Done in 2008 Could you please ensure these test results are  posted on that webpage - just as you posted the 2004 lead  test results- so parents and teachers have access  to it. Many parents are writing me asking me for the lead test in their school and  the county has a responsibility to post ALL the testing that has been done. 

7. Your press release states that, “Results from the comprehensive testing will be shared when completed.” Thank you. This is very important. I am writing asking that you send to each parent the testing that has been done in the past at their child's school and clarify specifically what was done in each school so that there is full transparency in this process. I am just a mom  and should not be responsible for sending parents across the county the school water testing results. This is PGCPS responsibility.  Please post it publicly so each parent can have easy acess to it and not have to sort through thousands of pages. Parents deserve transparency and information pertaining to their child’s health. These parents should be provided information immediately and not have it treated as a public information request and have it take a month as has happened to me. 

8. Your press release states that “While we know our drinking water is safe, we also know that some older buildings may have lead sources within their private plumbing systems. Our tests will help PGCPS identify issues within schools’ plumbing systems.”  This sentence is a little bit confusing because if you think the drinking water is safe then why are you saying that some older buildings may have a lead sources? Please be very clear with the parents teachers and staff that the water is not safe because it has not been tested in over half a decade.

9. There are some inaccuracies in the PGCPS ARDMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Frequently Asked Questions that need to be fixed. You have statement that reads, “Almost all lead poisoning cases stem from exposure to lead based paint and lead in soil ingestion and not from drinking water with a lead content. Based on this information the need for lead testing is not recommended.”

This is absolutely false. Children can be lead poisoned by water contaminated with lead and no amount of lead is safe for children so I am quite shocked to read such a statement. I would like you to please have an expert from the Department of Health review your FAQ sheet and ensure accuracy. This document  also states that “based on  this information the need for lead testing is not recommended”  and that again is false. Clearly there is a water contamination problem in Ardmore or else you would not be keeping all the faucets off?  Please revise your FAQS for parents so that they reflect accurately the reality that no amount of lead is safe for children. Yes children can be lead poisoned by the water . Please clarify to me what you are going to be doing to remedy such statements which are made on the frequently asked questions sheet that you have posted.

10. Why are you not telling the parents that they can go to their pediatrician to get a lead test if the water in their school has been found to have a high lead level? This seems important. In Washington DC this is what the school system did. The school district materials are making it seem like the water is safe when the water is clearly not safe. Please explain why you are not fully informing parents of their school water test results and that they can and should consult their pediatrician with such results. The pediatricians will need to have the information on the lead tests results to know the best way to address any parent concerns.

Read the full May 3, 2017 letter here.