Working together to protect kids from lead in schools

The dangers of lead exposure for children are well known and many schools across Montana have made great strides to protect students and staff from lead in drinking water. But a number of Montana schools have not yet taken action and the possibility of lead in school drinking water continues to be a serious concern.

Children are particularly at risk because their growing bodies absorb more lead than adults and the risks from lead include anemia, kidney and brain damage, as well as learning disabilities and decreased growth.

 Because children spend a large share of their childhood in schools, it is extremely important to provide safe drinking water. Some schools may not even be aware of the danger because even when water entering a building meets safety standards for lead concentrations, older plumbing within schools could contribute to elevated lead levels in the drinking water.