Children are especially susceptible to lead exposure due to the higher rates at which their bodies absorb metals when compared with adults.
To ensure the safety of the children in its community, NeighborImpact tested all of the organization’s Head Start sites for lead.
"This is great news for the Head Start children, families and staff," said Patty Wilson, director of programs at NeighborImpact.
The Oregon Department of Education, Early Learning Division outlined key steps that should be taken by child care environments to keep children safe from lead in drinking water.
Identify sources of lead: Early learning environments should test all taps used for drinking or food to identify any lead problems.
Follow the Environmental Protection Agency’s 3 T’s Revised Technical Guidance to ensure that samples for lead are collected properly and from the right places.
Use an Oregon Health Authority-accredited drinking water laboratory to analyze samples for lead.
This should include shutting off taps, covering water fountains, and providing bottled water to students and staff members.
For more information about our lead testing or about the NeighborImpact Head Start program, please contact Patty Wilson at 541-323-6519 or via email at pattyw@neighborimpact.org.
NeighborImpact is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.