Alexandria School Closes Due to Lead Contamination, Health Tests Advised

In a concerning development, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School in Alexandria has been temporarily closed due to the discovery of lead particles in several areas of the building. The closure, which began last Friday, is expected to continue through Tuesday, September 24, 2024, as cleaning efforts are underway.

The presence of lead, a toxic metal with no safe level of exposure for children, was detected in kindergarten and fourth-grade classrooms, as well as the main office suite. This discovery has prompted the Alexandria City Health Department to recommend blood tests for all students, faculty, and staff associated with the school.

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, particularly for children under 6 years old who are at the highest risk. It can affect nearly every system in the body, especially the nervous system, potentially causing developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Symptoms may not be immediately apparent, making blood tests crucial for detection.

The contamination reportedly occurred when a contractor, tasked with replacing windows, failed to follow appropriate mitigation efforts. Alicia Hart, Chief Operating Officer of Alexandria City Public Schools, explained that lead paint is common in buildings constructed before 1968, including Brooks Elementary. This highlights the importance of proper mitigation strategies during renovations to limit exposure.

Lead-based paint was banned for residential use in the United States in 1978, but many older buildings still contain this hazardous material. The discovery at Brooks Elementary serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by aging infrastructure in educational institutions across the country.

While the school undergoes thorough cleaning, students have been provided with asynchronous learning activities planned for emergency closures. The cleaning process is expected to last through the end of the week, coinciding with previously scheduled closures for a teacher work day, Rosh Hashanah, and parent-teacher conferences.

Once the cleaning is complete, clearance testing will be conducted to ensure that lead-containing dust has been fully removed from the school premises. The test results must be verified before the school can safely reopen its doors to students and staff.

The incident at Brooks Elementary echoes broader concerns about lead exposure in various environments. Lead can be found not only in paint but also in water pipes, especially in older buildings. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for lead in drinking water, but incidents like the Flint water crisis in Michigan have highlighted the ongoing challenges in maintaining safe water supplies.

It's worth noting that lead exposure is not just a modern concern. Historically, the ancient Romans used lead extensively, including in their plumbing systems. Some historians even suggest that lead poisoning played a role in the fall of the Roman Empire, illustrating the long-standing impact of this toxic metal on human civilization.

To address concerns and provide more information, the state and city health departments will host a webinar for families on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. This session will offer an opportunity for parents and guardians to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the situation.

The closure of Brooks Elementary serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular inspections and proper maintenance in older buildings, especially those frequented by children. It also underscores the need for continued vigilance in protecting public health from environmental hazards.