BANGOR DAILY NEWS • January 23, 2024
Last September, Maine released the results of statewide tests of school drinking water for contamination with lead. The findings were concerning. Over a quarter of the samples showed elevated lead levels, some extremely so. For many parents, including me, the problem hits home. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention, and academic achievement.” To solve the problem, we need to stop lead exposure at its source. No child should risk lead exposure from a school water fountain. We understand the problem, we know how to solve it, and the time to act is now. ~ Michael Haedicke, Maine chapter of the national Scholars Strategy Network