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School District Removes Water Sources after the Discovery of Lead Contamination

Lead Testing

Category	Press Release
Publish Date	10/12/2023
Author	Paul Cochrane
Title	School District Removes Water Sources after the Discovery of Lead Contamination
Introduction	EMSL Analytical provides laboratory testing services, sampling supplies and test kits to identify lead exposure risks from water, dust, soil and other environmental samples.
Cinnaminson, New Jersey, October 12, 2023 A school district in Tennessee recently sent parents of students attending a high school in Coffee County a letter warning them that six recent drinking water tests found lead levels above 20 parts per billion. As a safety measure, those particular water sources were then removed from service. Lead is rarely found in source water. It typically enters tap water through corrosion of plumbing materials reports the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Homes and buildings built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder. The most common problem is with brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures which can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water according to the agency. The amount of lead that may be found in drinking water also depends on the types and amounts of minerals in the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the amount of wear in the pipes and the water’s acidity. Exposure to elevated levels of lead can be a threat to everyone, but children are at heightened risk. The Tennessee Department of Health states that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm, causing damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. “Fortunately, there are quick and effective ways to test drinking water sources for lead in schools, child care centers, homes and other places,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we have laboratories located across North America that offer testing services for lead and other heavy metals from water, soil, air, dust and other environmental samples. We also provide sampling supplies and even carry easy-to-use test kits to assess lead from drinking water, dust or paint chips.” Several years ago, EMSL sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can still be seen at: https://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. For access to lead test kits, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com. About EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 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, VOCs, 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.