DEQ says there is no blood lead levels of concern at Ucon Elementary

In a press release Tuesday afternoon the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality said that blood lead screenings have not shown any lead level of concern at Ucon Elementary School.

According to the press release individual lead screening results were provided to all students and staff tested. To date, 263 blood lead screening tests have been completed and results show no blood levels above the national reference level of 5 micrograms of lead per deciliter. Experts use this reference level to identify children with blood lead levels that are much higher than most children’s based on data from the U.S. population of children ages 1–5 years. Given these favorable screening results, no further action is necessary.

In addition, sample results from two new drinking fountains installed at the school show lead concentrations below the laboratory detection level. These fixtures replaced older models that were leaching lead into the drinking water. All water sources at the school have now tested at safe levels, and there is no ongoing concern for lead exposure from drinking water.