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 Brooks Elementary School has been closed since Friday.
An environmental cleaning contractor found lead particles in multiple locations, including a kindergarten classroom and offices, school officials said.
The school's principal said the lead exposure happened because a contractor replacing windows in the school did not follow sufficient mitigation efforts.
School administrators are urging families and employees to get their blood tested for lead.
On Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., a webinar will be held by the Virginia Department of Health and the Alexandria Health Department to provide the school community with information about specific health-related questions.
According to the CDC, lead exposure can cause serious harmful effects including damage to the brain and nervous system. These 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.
