Ever since the news reports about contaminated water issues in Flint made national headlines, people in communities across the country have wondered just how safe is the water in their homes, schools, and businesses. People living in New York City and the tri-state area are no exception, especially after multiple media reports recently focused their attention on lead contamination concerns in the region’s schools.

Just last month, The New York Times published an article that showed that elevated levels of lead have been found in yet more schools in Newark. The Newark School District reported that 76 of 324 recent water samples from the district were found to contain lead at levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) threshold for taking action. Also in March, Time Warner Cable News reported that New York’s Brighton Central School District discovered elevated lead levels in 238 devices throughout their district.

These and other recent media reports have many concerned about lead contamination and the safety of their water. According to the EPA, “Although the main sources of exposure to lead are ingesting paint chips and inhaling dust, EPA estimates that 20 percent or more of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water. Infants who consume mostly mixed formula can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water.”

Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes and other buildings. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems, and other issues. Although everyone is at risk of exposure to lead, children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing rapidly.

“When elevated levels of lead are found in drinking water it is usually not from the source water, but rather enters tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials that contain lead,” said Michael Berrevoets, President, VOETS, LLC. “Homes, buildings, and schools built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, and solder which can leach into the water.”

People in New York City and the tri-state area who are concerned about possible exposure to lead can turn to the building science professionals at VOETS. They offer comprehensive lead testing in water, air, dust, paint, and other materials.