The hearing reported in this document examined issues dealing with environmental lead hazards in schools and day care centers and the threat that lead poses to children's health, with a special focus on problems in New York City (NYC) public schools. Following an account of the opening remarks by Representatives on the committee and subcommittee, the hearing report contains accounts from the subcommittee of the disregard for lead hazards by schools and child care facilities, and of the lead hazard in the NYC public schools, including two documents, generated by the NYC Board of Education and the Chancellor's office, on the extent of the city's problem. Testimony was offered by the director of environmental protection issues for the General Accounting Office; the chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics; the chief of the division of school facilities, NYC Board of Education; a member of Parents Against Lead in Schools; a professor of pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center; and the chairperson of the New York Coalition to End Lead Poisoning. A written statement from the National School Boards Association is also included. (MDM)

The hearing reported in this document examined issues dealing with environmental lead hazards in schools and day care centers and the threat that lead poses to children's health, with a special focus on problems in New York City (NYC) public schools. Following an account of the opening remarks by Representatives on the committee and subcommittee, the hearing report contains accounts from the subcommittee of the disregard for lead hazards by schools and child care facilities, and of the lead hazard in the NYC public schools, including two documents, generated by the NYC Board of Education and the Chancellor's office, on the extent of the city's problem. Testimony was offered by the director of environmental protection issues for the General Accounting Office; the chairman of the American Academy of Pediatrics; the chief of the division of school facilities, NYC Board of Education; a member of Parents Against Lead in Schools; a professor of pediatrics at Montefiore Medical Center; and the chairperson of the New York Coalition to End Lead Poisoning. A written statement from the National School Boards Association is also included. (MDM)

Toxic Substances: Information on Lead Hazards in Child Care Facilities and Schools Is Limited

Toxic Substances: The Extent of Lead Hazards in Child Care Facilities and Schools Is Unknown

Children are susceptible to adverse health effects from lead, such as impaired mental development, IQ deficits, shorter attention span, and lower birth weight. Exposure to lead is a significant health concern, particularly for young children and infants whose growing bodies tend to absorb more lead than the average adult. Testing water in schools and day care facilities is important because children spend a significant portion of their days in these facilities and likely consume water while there. Appended is a list of EPA materials on managing lead in school drinking water, letter to states, and summary of responses.