Schools
Elevated Lead Levels Found in Sink at Clarke Middle School
'Actionable' lead levels were reportedly found in water samples taken from a science room sink at Jonas Clarke Middle School.
LEXINGTON, MA—Water samples taken from a sink at Jonas Clarke Middle School were found to have 'actionable' lead levels, according to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
A science room sink at Clarke had lead concentrations of 309 parts per billion of lead, according to Ria Convery, a spokesperson from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Actionable lead levels are regarded as being above 15 parts per billion set by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Water systems at the Central Administration Building were also shown to have actionable lead levels after a first round of testing in June.
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Lexington Public Health Director Gerard Cody told the Lexington Minuteman that it would be difficult for someone to consume enough lead to cause a problem. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also states that lead cannot be absorbed through skin.
Read more from the Lexington Minuteman here.
Find out what's happening in Lexingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Lexington Assistant Director of Public Facilities Shawn Newell was not immediately available for comment. Check back with Patch for updates.
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