Health
Too much lead in the human body can cause damage to the brain,
kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.
Lead in the water is a serious problem for elementary schools
and child development centers. Young children, infants,
and pregnant women have the greatest risk, even with short-term
exposure. Fetuses appear to be particularly vulnerable. A dose of
lead that would have little effect on an adult can have a
big effect on a small body. Also, growing children will more
rapidly absorb any lead they consume.
A child's mental and physical development
can be irreversibly stunted by over-exposure to lead.
Sources of Lead in Water Actions that EPA, SFUSD and UESF Recommend: If flushing of pipes is not enough to lower lead levels
because the lead level is too dangerous, the SFUSD is
providing bottled water for students and staff.
Hene Kelly is UESF's Health and Safety Coordinator.
Lead in water is a health threat
by Hene Kelly
Source of information: EPA
Lead levels in drinking water are likely to be highest
if your school has faucets or fittings of brass, lead
pipes, or copper pipes with solder. Lead
can also build up if the water often sits dormant
in the pipes for several hours.
Flush pipes before drinking.
Teachers and other adults are being asked to help by
flushing pipes in their classrooms or in fountains near
their classrooms. Anytime the water in a particular faucet
has not been used for six hours or longer, "flush" the pipes
by running the water until it becomes as cold as it will get.
This could take as little as five to thirty seconds if there
has been recent heavy water use such as showering or toilet
flushing. Otherwise, it could take two minutes or longer.
UESF's Mission and Affiliates
| Calendar
| Committees
| Constitution and Bylaws
| Contract for Paraprofessionals
| Contract for Teachers
| Directory
| Governance
| Know Your Rights
| Member Benefits
| Labor Resources
| Political Action
| Reform and Education Issues
| S.F. Teachers in the News
| Teaching Resources
|Treasurer's Accounts
|
