Hundreds of schools in America have tested positive for unsafe lead levels, based on a test that was conducted nationwide. The move was initiated in response to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, in the hopes that concerned agencies would be able to find solutions fast.
The Associated Press reports that at least 278 schools were discovered to have water systems violations and from these, 90 schools were found to have exceeded the acceptable safety limits. The measurements were based on the guidelines the Environmental Protection Agency has set since 2013. Immediate action is recommended in these schools.
The Source of Lead In The Schools' Water System
Schools with high levels of poisonous lead in their water systems have old pipes and outdated fixtures in the drinking fountains. However, since many of the buildings were constructed in the 70s, replacement of the pipes could become a costly and time-consuming project, if not nearly impossible.
Pipe installation at that time was buried in concrete, especially in schools in the East Coast, where there are plenty of older buildings. Hence, several considerations have to be made before any overhaul is done. "For the cost of that, you might as well build a new school," a school assistant superintendent, Jack Stoskopf, said.
Lead In Water Determined At Schools Years Ago
Meanwhile, dangerous levels of lead in water were discovered in New Jersey schools six years ago, but it's only recently that the data was made public, New York Times reports. Gov. Chris Christie stated that the situation is not a threat to the students, but other statesmen are not convinced. Countless of studies have proven that lead, when ingested, can bring serious health problems like kidney damage, developmental delays and poor bone and muscle growth, per Kids Health.
Roll Call cites that Congress could have solved the water problem in many communities in the United States at least 10 years ago, but budget cuts impaired these projects. Current committees in Congress are doing reviews in light of the incident in Flint.
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