HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — Traces of lead have been found in the water and doors of several Guam Department of Education schools, but education officials have told parents that children will be kept safe.
Twenty elementary schools that have Head Start programs were tested for lead in the water and in the paint, according to GDOE spokesperson Michelle Franquez.
“Cafeterias at Juan M. Guerrero Elementary School and Machananao Elementary School showed traces of lead in the water,” Franquez said. “Traces of lead were found in the paints on doors and door frames at Finegayan Elementary School, Capt. H.B. Price Elementary School and Harry S. Truman Elementary School.”
“Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health impacts, particularly on the development of the brain and nervous system,” according to The World Health Organization.
Exposure
Lead exposure can occur in several ways, according to WHO, but mainly from inhalation and ingestion of lead-contaminated dust, water from leaded pipes and food.
“Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning because they absorb four to five times as much ingested lead as adults from a given source,” the international organization said.
GDOE standard operating procedure requires the GDOE Head Start program to ensure schools are in compliance with federal and territorial regulations, which includes ensuring that all facilities where children are served are free from pollutants, hazards and toxins.
The SOP stated that samples to test for lead in water are to be taken from Head Start sinks, school water fountains and school cafeteria sinks. Meanwhile, all schools built before 1978 are to be tested annually for lead in paint.
While the levels of lead detected were not shared by GDOE, the department said the schools “tested below the threshold.”
Additional testing
Moving forward, GDOE will be retesting the schools where lead was detected and will expand testing to all 41 schools.
“Although it is not required, GDOE has requested a second and third test at the 20 schools to ensure a safe water supply.” Franquez said. “All 41 schools will have their water supply tested three times to ensure safe and quality water sources. In regards to schools where lead paint was found, the GDOE facilities and maintenance team will encapsulate the areas with traces of lead paint and will refurbish and replace door frames and doors. Presently, there are several contracts in procurement to support these repairs and changes.”
Informing parents
The Guam Daily Post asked whether parents have been informed about the positive lead results and, although the department did not answer the question directly, Franquez said, “GDOE reassures parents and the island community that it continues its commitment to ensuring school campuses are safe for our children. Again, the second and third tests of the water supply are at the request of the GDOE team to make sure our students are safe and the process to procure funding for refurbishing and replacement of doors and door frames is already in place. GDOE will continue to keep the public informed on any updates at our school campuses.”
The Guam Department of Education headquarters is seen on Sunday, July 9, 2023, in Tiyan.
