An elementary school in Alexandria, Virginia, has temporarily shut down after lead particles were discovered in the building — and officials say families should have their children tested for the harmful chemical.
Naomi L. Brooks Elementary School has been closed since Friday.
An environmental cleaning contractor found lead particles in multiple locations, including a kindergarten classroom, a fourth-grade classroom and offices, Principal Suzanne Hess said in a letter to parents and employees on Thursday.
Hess said the lead exposure happened because a separate contractor who was replacing windows in the school did not follow "appropriate mitigation efforts." Work began on the windows on Friday, Sept. 20, according to Hess' letter.
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School and health officials have urged families and employees to get their blood tested for lead.
The school is hosting a virtual meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with the Virginia Department of Health and the Alexandria Health Department to answer questions families and staff might have and give more information. More information on the meeting can be found on the school's website.
Lead exposure can cause serious health issues, including damage to the brain and nervous system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. The health effects of lead exposure are more harmful to younger children than older children.
School leaders are working with state and local health officials to figure out next steps.
