Lead Exposure In Alexandria School Prompts Blood Testing Recommendation

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Lead exposure at an Alexandria elementary school has prompted a multi-day closure and blood testing guidance for families.

Last Thursday, Naomi L. Brooks Elementary leadership learned from an environmental contractor found lead particles in kindergarten classroom (Room 2), a fourth grade classroom (Room 18), the main office suite and the clinic at the school. Principal Suzanne Hess told families a contractor starting work on window replacement starting Friday, Sept. 20 had not followed "appropriate mitigation efforts."

As a result, the school closed Friday, Sept. 27 as remediation by an environmental cleaning contractor began in the affected areas. The school remained closed Monday, Sept. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 1 along with a pre-scheduled closure on Oct. 2 to 4. Parent-teacher conferences are being held virtually. Another update on the school status is expected Tuesday.

The school contacted the Alexandria Health Department for guidance on responding to potential lead exposure. Health department director David Rose recommended blood testing to check for lead presence in the blood.

"Lead exposure commonly happens when people put items containing lead in their mouths or when people breathe in lead dust in the air," Rose shared. "If people - especially very young children and pregnant people - are exposed to lead, they can face harmful effects."

Even low levels of lead can pose a risk to young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead exposure can lead to health effects like damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems. Most children may not show obvious symptoms immediately after exposure, the CDC says.

The health department recommended getting a test and more guidance through a medical provider. Families without a medical provider may contact the Alexandria Health Department at 703-746-4988. An emergency room or urgent care visit is not needed for lead testing, the health department says.

Remediation efforts continue through this week. School leaders say clearance testing will follow cleaning to ensure lead-containing dust was removed before reopening the school.

More information on the school closure and lead remediation is available on the school's website.