Health Department,Schools Notify Parents, Offer Free Testing

After Lead HazardsFound at Montclair Elementary School

FAYETTEVILLE – The Department of Public Health and Cumberland CountySchools are working together to ensure the safety of students and staff atMontclair Elementary School after an environmental study found lead hazards inareas accessible to children attending the facility at 555 Glensford Drive.

Parents of students at the school will receive a letter fromCumberland County Public Health Director Buck Wilson and Schools SuperintendentDr. Frank Till notifying them of the lead investigation.

Following Health Department recommendations, the school systemhas implemented measures to eliminate student exposure and access to areaswhere the lead hazards were found, while they work to eradicate the leadhazards.

Water samples collected at the school did not show any leadlevels. The primary route for lead entering the blood of children under 6 yearsof age is through ingestion of lead-contaminated dust occurring from hand tomouth activity.

No student is known to have elevated blood levels; however,the Department of Public Health will offer free blood lead-level testing forstudents. No appointment is necessary at the Health Department located at 1235Ramsey Street, but one is recommended. Call 433-3600 to make an appointment.The hours are Monday through Friday,
8 a.m. - 5 p.m., with extended hours every Tuesday until 7 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns about the health effectsof lead or about the blood test, please contact Sandra Shipley, CumberlandCounty Health Lead Nurse, at (910) 433- 3689.

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Jon Soles

Public Information Specialist

Cumberland County

(910) 321-6579

jsoles@co.cumberland.nc.us