FOX 4 has reported that the majority of school districts in North Texas are testing their drinking water, even though there are no local, state or federal mandates to do so. For the best interests of student safety and health, 16 out of the 20 largest school districts have confirmed to the station that they are in the process of testing for lead in the drinking water in the majority of their schools.
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North Texas School Districts Testing for Lead
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Learning By Example
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After the water crisis that was discovered in Flint, Michigan earlier in 2016, the decision to test was a no-brainer for many districts. The story made national headlines and identified the risks that lead exposure can lead to, such as adverse health effects, principally in children.
Ahead of the Curve
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The largest district in Tarrant County, Fort Worth Independent School District, tested all of its schools (127 in total) and declared extensive repairs would be made, stating, “We did it because the national conversation about lead put a lot of questions in people’s minds. It was the right thing for us to do.”
Parts Per Billion
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For proper testing purposes, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends nothing in excess of 20 parts per billion of lead in school drinking water, however most districts have taken the high road and prescribed to a lesser testing level of 15 parts per billion.
Results are Pouring In
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The first to report that everything was clear based on a testing of all of its 39 schools was the Keller Independent School District. It also plans to complete lead testing annually going forward. For the others that completed testing and found harmful results, corrective measures have been taken on the challenging water sources.
Lead Exposure in Children
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A full listing of the ISDs that FOX 4 has contacted can be found within their report. Parents that have concerns regarding lead exposure to their children are being asked to contact their pediatrician or family physician for a blood test. For those that reside in older homes, it is also recommended that testing be completed for their own drinking water to ensure that it also does not pose a risk. To children, lead is predominantly dangerous as a result of their nervous system and brains being more sensitive to the compound as well as their growing bodies absorbing more of it than adults. In extremely rare instances, ingestion of lead can result in seizures,
To children, lead is predominantly dangerous as a result of their nervous system and brains being more sensitive to the compound, as well as their growing bodies absorbing more of it than adults. In extremely rare instances, ingestion of lead can result in seizures, coma, and death. In low levels, lead found in a child’s system can result in:
- Anemia
- Behavior and learning problems
- Lower IQ and hyperactivity
- Hearing problems
- Slowed growth
Where to Find More Information
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For more information on lead testing, blood testing, and symptoms of exposure to lead, parents can also contact the following:
