Lead taints drinking water in hundreds of schools, day cares across USA

SOME 350 WATER SYSTEMS THAT FAILED LEAD TESTS IN RECENT YEARS PROVIDE DRINKING WATER TO SCHOOLS AND CHILD-CARE CENTERS.

Whenever Jamison Rich got thirsty after gym or recess, he took a drink from the nearest water fountain at his elementary school.

Only last month did his family learn that the water bubbling out of some fountains contained high levels of lead, a notorious toxin that can silently damage developing brains and slow growth in little bodies like his.

Recently, a blood test on the 7-year-old found more than twice the average level of lead for young children, even though as far as anyone knows he's never come in contact with lead paint or tainted soil.

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