The group determined more than a dozen of the schools had
lead levels that exceeded federal standards in their water pipes. The
Environmental Protection Agency lists lead levels in water of 15 parts per
billion (ppb) as the safety cutoff. Lead levels ranging from 1 ppb to 25 ppb
were found in the schools’ water fountains and sinks.
The findings were made public at an October Leon County
School Board meeting. Axelrad said although lead levels were elevated, they are
nowhere near the lead content in Flint’s water.
Lead exposure is dangerous, especially in children under 6
years old. Exposure can lead to physical and mental developmental delays. Lead
poisoning causes brain damage, increases sickness, lowers IQ levels, and
promotes aggression.
Apalachee, Astoria Park, Chaires, Gilchrist, Hartsfield,
Kate Sullivan, Killearn Lakes, Oak Ridge, Pineview, Riley, Ruediger, Sabal
Palm, Sealey, Springwood, Woodville, and W.T. Moore Elementary Schools all had
some level of lead content in their water pipes.
Axelrad said potential lead poisoning is a bigger detriment
to society than we realize. He added that his mission is to teach students
about the moral implications of such research, and to work toward the
betterment of society to fight health disparities.
“I tell my students all the time, ‘you have the power to
change the world- so do it’,” he said. “One of my favorite quotes says ‘concern
for man and his fate must always form the chief interest of all technical
endeavors’ and I truly believe that,” he added.
Two of those students are David Gbogbo and Oluwatosin
Fasakin. Axelrad invited the students to assist him with the research. He said
both were impressive students in his environmental toxicology class that he was
able to mentor.
“David and Oluwatosin’s work on this project was
exceptional,” Axelrad said. “They are fine, intelligent young men. and I have
hopefully inspired them to fight environmental injustice.”
Gbogbo said he is excited to be a part of the project, and
help the community around him.
“Knowing that the little work we do impacts lives is very
important to us,” he said. “We are using research to transform lives.”
Other members of the research team are Alan Becker, FAMU
professor of public health; Vincent Salters, and Jeremy Owens, of the Florida
State University Magnetic Lab; Dr. Ron Saff, a local physician, and Charles
Jagoe, an Environmental Cooperative Science Center distinguished professor in
FAMU’s School of the Environment.
According to the Tallahassee Democrat, Saff requested the
initial testing in August, and the school board funded the project through
grants.
As a result of the impactful research, local K-12
administrators are working to conduct testing at all Leon and Wakulla County
schools.