Lead Found in UNC - Chapel Hill Dorm Sinks

Oct. 27, 2022
According to the university, the detected levels of lead in the sinks range from 1.1 parts per billion (ppb) to 34.6 ppb.

Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/education/article267515253.html

Detectable levels of lead were found in more than four dozen in-room sinks at the University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill residence hall.

The university's Department of Environment, Health and Safety sent an email citing lead was found 57 out of 84 in-room sinks, according to the The News & Observer. 

The department's email continued to say that it is investigating further to "determine the scope of the lead." Previous testing in the building, Spencer Residence Hall, found that three communal drinking fountains also had detectable levels of lead. 

According to The News & Observer, the department's email said "the detected levels of lead in the sinks range from 1.1 parts per billion (ppb) to 34.6 ppb, “with 3 out of the 84 above the EPA action level of 15 ppb."

This comes at a time when led has already been detected in water fixtures at 13 buildings on UNC's campus since August. In response, the university is in phase two out of three for lead testing. 

In an email obtained by The News & Observer, George Battle, vice chancellor for institutional integrity and risk management, said the university is “taking an aggressive approach to resolve this situation” and is working with faculty experts, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and the Orange County Health Department."

The specific levels of lead detected in each room were not disclosed at the time of publishing. Spencer Residence Hall was built in 1924, and while students share communal restrooms and shower facilities, each room as its own sink. 

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