Lead Found in Water at Elementary School in Fayetteville

Cumberland County Schools and the Cumberland County Department of Public Health announced that a high level of lead was found in the water at Loyd Auman Elementary School in Fayetteville. Parents of students at the school were notified that lead levels at the school at 6882 Raeford Road near Seventy-First High School, were "higher than acceptable levels in the North Carolina General Statutes." “We want parents and guardians to know they have access to the tools necessary to ensure their child’s safety and well-being,” said Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Health Director. “A simple blood test to determine your child’s blood lead level is available at the Public Health Department or from your regular doctor.” Officials said that parents of students under the age of 6 who were at the school in person in the last six months will get a hard copy notice, which will recommend they get tested to determine the blood lead level for the child. The announcement said: "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the health effects of lead exposure are most harmful to children less than 6 years of age because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. At this time, no student is known to have elevated blood levels. There are 45 students who fall in that age group from the elementary school." Parents with questions about the lead in the water of the school in Fayetteville are encouraged to call 910-433-3689. The Health Department is providing free blood tests to any students who attended the school in person in the last six months. Tests are available at the Public Health Department at 1235 Ramsey Street, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with walk-ins accepted. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lead exposure is a significant concern for children because of the increased lead absorption rates. The EPA has a toolkit available with frequently asked questions about lead in drinking water. Click here to see that information. GALLERY: A New Reality? - COVID-19 Precautions in Schools Worldwide [gallery ids="159842,159841,159840,159839,159838,159833,150946,150943,149829,149828,149823,142275,171803,171804,"]