Below are some of the most overlooked sources of lead, warning signs to watch for, and practical steps families can take right now.

Why lead is still a serious problem

Lead is a toxic metal that can affect the brain and nervous system, especially in children. The CDC notes that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Pediatric guidance also emphasizes that children at higher risk should be screened, and many states use the CDC blood lead reference value of 3.5 µg/dL as a benchmark for follow-up.

School drinking water: the risk is often in the plumbing

Lead in school drinking water typically comes from plumbing materials like lead service lines, solder, brass fixtures, or old fountains. Even if the water leaving the treatment plant is fine, lead can enter the water as it travels through aging pipes.

What is changing nationally

EPA issued the Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which strengthens requirements and specifically addresses sampling and public education related to schools and licensed child care facilities. The final rule is effective December 30, 2024.

What schools and families can do now

EPA’s 3Ts approach (Training, Testing, Taking Action) is a widely used framework for schools and child care facilities that want to reduce lead in drinking water.

Practical steps for parents and caregivers:

• Ask your school whether it tests drinking and cooking taps, how often, and where results are posted.
• Ask if the school has replaced older fountains and fixtures.
• If you are concerned, consider sending a filled water bottle and reminding kids not to drink from older fixtures until you understand what protections are in place.

Construction and renovation dust: lead can travel farther than you think

Lead exposure is not limited to paint chips. Dust generated during demolition, sanding, cutting, or repair work can carry lead from older materials and settle on floors, clothing, car seats, and nearby soil.

Lead is recognized as a construction exposure hazard and is regulated under OSHA’s lead standard for construction work (29 CFR 1926.62). Even when crews follow rules, families living near active work zones or in buildings undergoing renovations can still be at risk if dust control is poor.

Red flags to watch for:

• Dry sanding or uncontrolled scraping
• Visible dust tracked into hallways or common areas
• Renovations in older buildings without clear containment practices

Hidden sources families often overlook

Lead can show up in places that do not look like hazards:

• Soil near older buildings or high-traffic roadways (legacy contamination can persist for decades)
• Older or imported ceramics and pottery used for cooking or serving
• Some imported spices, cosmetics, traditional remedies, or jewelry
• Certain foods: the FDA has issued guidance aimed at reducing lead in some baby foods, reflecting ongoing concern about exposure pathways beyond paint and pipes

If a child has an elevated blood lead level, identifying the source matters. Reducing exposure is the first step to preventing further harm.

Signs and symptoms: often subtle, sometimes missed

Lead exposure can be hard to spot because symptoms may be mild or look like other issues. In children, concerns may include:

• Irritability, fatigue, loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, constipation
• Developmental delays or learning and attention problems

If you suspect exposure, talk with a pediatrician about blood lead testing, especially for young children or kids with known risk factors.

When lead exposure becomes a legal issue

Lead exposure cases can involve multiple responsible parties, depending on the source:

• Property owners and landlords (unsafe conditions, poor renovation practices)
• Contractors or renovation crews (dust control failures)
• Schools, child care facilities, or maintenance contractors (depending on systems and notice)
• Manufacturers or distributors (product-related lead contamination in some situations)

Documentation can help: photos of conditions, renovation notices, school communications, medical records, and any available test results.

Talk to McEldrew Purtell

If you believe your child or family may have been exposed to lead through school drinking water, construction dust, or another hidden source, McEldrew Purtell can help you understand your options. Contact our team to discuss what happened and what steps to take next.