High Lead Levels Found In Water At 4 Ramsey Schools

RAMSEY, NJ — The school district reported that water sources at four of its schools tested had lead levels higher than what is permitted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Samples taken from 15 water fountains and sinks at Ramsey High School, Smith Middle School, Tisdale Elementary School and Hubbard Elementary School had lead levels greater than the EPA's 15 parts per billion action level.

Eight samples taken from Hubbard Elementary School and five from Tisdale Elementary School had high lead levels. A sink in classroom 18 had 260 parts per billion. The lead in water taken from a sink in classroom 15 tested at 58 parts per billion, the district said in a letters sent to parents earlier this week.

A sink in the women's locker room staff office at Smith Middle School had water with lead at 120 parts per billion. A sink in the high school nurse's office measured at more than 39 parts per billion.

Most of the affected sinks and water fountains were disconnected, the district said. Signs with "do not drink — safe for handwashing only" were placed at locations where people can safely wash their hands.

Lead can cause brain and kidney damage and affect the production of red blood cells, the EPA has said.

In young children, lead exposure can lower intelligence levels, affect hearing, reduce one's attention span, and hurt school performance. At very high levels, lead can even cause brain damage, the agency said.

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