Concerns have risen as the Shelby County Health Department (SCHD) addressed elevated lead levels found in the water sources of 24 Memphis-Shelby County schools. This alarming development, revealed during mandatory testing under Tennessee state law, Public Chapter 977, requires these schools, all constructed before January 1, 1998, to perform annual water tests until lead content falls below the 20 parts per billion safety threshold. The SCHD, in their role, has confirmed that the affected schools are now off-limits and alternative water sources are being provided where needed.
With the safety of children being paramount, Shelby County Health Department Director and Health Officer, Dr. Bruce Randolph, emphasized, per the Shelby County Health Department, “Exposure to lead is particularly harmful to children whose brains and nervous systems are still growing and developing.” He added that aside from water, environmental lead exposure could come from various sources in a child’s home or other surroundings. Parents are notified about the issue and encouraged to have their children screened for lead exposure.
As part of the response, the SCHD offers free blood lead screenings to students attending the schools. These screenings are available by appointment at the Health Department’s Shelby Crossing Public Health Clinic. Concerned parents may dial 901-222-8219 to schedule an appointment or seek screening through their child’s healthcare provider. Dr. Randolph, reinforcing the importance of this measure, told the Shelby County Health Department, “That is why the Shelby County Health Department is stepping in to offer blood lead screenings at no cost for all students at the impacted schools.”…