Shelby County Health Department responding to MSCS schools with high lead in water sources
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) is responding to test results that showed elevated levels of lead in water sources at 24 Memphis-Shelby County Schools facilities.
According to SCHD, state law requires schools built before 1998 to have their water sources tested; schools with levels higher than 20 parts per billion are required to have their water sources tested every year until that lead level drops.
SCHD said their role is to make sure that MSCS “has made the affected water sources inaccessible for use and is providing alternative water sources, if needed.”
The health department said they’re also offering blood lead screenings for children who go to the schools where the elevated lead levels were found. “Exposure to lead is particularly harmful to children whose brains and nervous systems are still growing and developing,” said Dr. Bruce Randolph, SCHD Director and Health Officer. “Environmental lead exposure can come from water, but also other sources in a child’s home or other surroundings. Early detection and treatment is the best way to protect children who have been exposed to lead. That is why the Shelby County Health Department is stepping in to offer blood lead screenings at no cost for all students at the impacted schools.”
The department said the screenings would be provided by appointment at the Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic at 1826 Sycamore View Road. Parents can call 901-222-8219 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to request an appointment, or they may request a screening from their child’s doctor. “I strongly encourage parents to talk with their provider about blood lead screenings if their children attend one of the affected schools,” Dr. Randolph said.
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