A proposed update to a federal rule and a bill in Pennsylvania could go a long way to prevent children's exposure to lead which impacts their IQ and wellbeing.
A new bill would create a $30 million Safe School Drinking Water Fund and require schools to replace all outdated water fountains with filtered ones by 2026.
New research indicates that childhood lead exposure impacts adult mental health. The toxic heavy metal is found across western Pennsylvania drinking water systems, leaving thousands of kids at risk.
A charter school did not notify parents when results showed water fountains and sinks failed lead tests, including off-the-charts levels of the neurotoxin.
The bill would require both public and private schools test for lead every two years, and install filters or other fixes for any level greater than 5 parts per billion.
