DEQ: Blood lead levels normal in Ucon Elementary students, staff
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The following is a news release from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality on Tuesday, March 1:
IDAHO FALLS – After drinking water from a drinking fountain at Ucon Elementary School was found to contain high lead levels in mid-February, blood lead screenings have not shown any blood lead levels of concern in staff or students.
Individual lead screening results were provided to all students and staff tested. To date, 263 blood lead screening tests have been completed and results show no blood levels above the national reference level of 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter. Experts use this reference level to identify children with blood lead levels that are much higher than most children’s based on data from the U.S. population of children ages 1 to 5 years. Given these favorable screening results, no further action is necessary.
In addition, sample results from two new drinking fountains installed at the school show lead concentrations below the laboratory detection level. These fixtures replaced older models that were leaching lead into the drinking water. All water sources at the school have now tested at safe levels, and there is no ongoing concern for lead exposure from drinking water.
DEQ is grateful for the assistance provided by the City of Ucon, Ucon Elementary School, and the Bonneville School District to see that every precaution was taken to protect public health over the past month. DEQ also appreciates the integral roles played by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Bureau of Laboratories, and in particular, Eastern Idaho Public Health in conducting a successful and efficient blood lead screening event for Ucon Elementary students and staff. Finally, DEQ would like to thank school officials, parents, and students for their support and participation in the screenings.