Young students exposed to lead in Cumberland County

Forty-five students under the age of 6 were potentially exposed to lead-contaminated water in Cumberland County.

Lloyd Auman Elementary School showed signs of higher than acceptable levels of lead.

Jennifer Green, Cumberland County Health Department director, is searching for the handful of children who were exposed.

"Lead contamination is most concerning for kids under the age of 6 because they're still in their developmental stages," she said. "Those are the students that we see the most impact on IQ or learning or academic achievement."

Green said that the higher levels of lead were found in water sources inside the cafeteria sinks, but not in the water fountains in the hallways. During school, students were able to refill their water bottles at the sinks.

Symptoms of lead poisoning include stomach pain, constipation, headaches, irritability and memory problems. Poisoning can lead to developmental delays and learning difficulties, according to The Mayo Clinic. Young children also absorb lead more easily than adults, and it is more harmful for them.

The health department is offering free lead testing to the students from 8 a.m. to 5pm Monday - Fridays at the Public Health Department on Ramsey Street.

"This is out an abundance of caution," Green said. "We have not found any student that have elevated blood levels yet. That's what the testing is for.

"But we want to be cautious because we want to make sure that the students are protected and that their families are aware," she said.

Officials said the students who were notified had contact inside the school during the past six months.