Tests show high levels of lead in Trenton students

TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- Tests show kids in Trenton public schools have higher levels of lead in their blood than those affected in the Flint, Michigan water crisis.

Reports show public facilities could be to blame, and now Trenton officials have issued district-wide changes.

The report lists school faucets and fountains that tested above the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion of lead.

LINK: See the reports listed by schools

Among the worst: a sink at one high school at more than 100 times that level.

At Grant Elementary, there are more than 20 impacted taps or fountains.

Parents just hearing the news on Monday were concerned.

"My son is here every single day of the week, Monday through Friday," said Jessica Richardson.

The district says it took action on learning the results.

"The fixture, if we had a hit that was above what was required, we would immediately shut the fixture down," said Dwayne Mosley of Trenton Public School.

After that a decision to cap it, replace a filter or replace the unit.

In the wake of the Flint debacle, lead in water is on the radar. Elyse Pivnick is with a community-based group in Trenton that already focuses on lead paint remediation in homes.

"I think it's good they have identified the problem, because for so long this issue of lead in water has been invisible. It's off radar," said Pivnick.

Lead is still considered the biggest threat to kids.

"Our experts tell us that approximately 80 percent of lead exposure comes from old lead paint in housing not well maintained," she said.

Lead is toxic, and young children are especially vulnerable.

"No lead level in water, or housing dust, or whatever is safe," said Pivnick.

Just days ago, The School District of Philadelphia announced it is expanding its drinking water testing to every school and every fountain in the city.