FAYETTEVILLE N.C. – The Cumberland County Department of Public Health wishes to provide an update regarding the presence of lead at Beaver Dam Elementary School, located at 12059 NC-210, Roseboro.
In June 2023, the Cumberland County Department of Public Health Environmental Health Division notified Cumberland County Schools (CCS) that a recent inspection revealed the presence of lead at the school that were higher than acceptable levels established in North Carolina General Statutes. Parents were initially notified in June 2023. Environmental Health is working with CCS to eliminate the source of the lead exposure and these efforts are ongoing.
Parents of students younger than age 6 who have attended in-person instruction at the school in the last six months will receive a hard copy notice from the Health Department and CCS informing them that the lead hazard has been identified and recommending their children be tested to determine their blood lead level.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the health effects of lead exposure are more harmful to children younger than 6 because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. At this time, no student is known to have blood lead levels above the state-established level requiring follow-up care. There are fewer than 15 students who fall in that age group that may have been impacted.
The Health Department will provide free blood tests to any Beaver Dam Elementary School student who attended in-person instruction in the past six months. Testing is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Health Department, located at 1235 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville. Walk-ins are accepted.
“Staff in our Environmental Health Division continue to work closely with Cumberland County Schools to remove the lead hazard,” said Cumberland County Health Director Dr. Jennifer Green. “A simple blood test to determine your child’s blood lead level is available at the Public Health Department or from your regular doctor.”
Parents who have questions about the testing may call 910-433-3618 or 910-321-7111.