Lead Contamination.pdf

Lead contamination in Massachusetts public schools is a significant issue, with outdated lead pipes and fittings being a main source of poisoning, particularly affecting children under six, causing decreased intelligence, stunted growth, and impaired neurobehavioral development. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a limit of 0.015 mg/L, and the state's Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) has conducted sampling to identify and mitigate contaminated drinking water. A study combined lead data with Environmental Justice (EJ) and population data to determine which town and school needed government funding for mitigation the most, based on lead concentration, number of children aged one to six, and percentage of persons with less than a high school diploma. The study found that Hancock Elementary School in Brockton had the highest need, with an average lead concentration of 0.5 mg/L, over three times the EPA limit, and a high density of children under six, making it a priority for lead mitigation funding.