Onslow County school tests positive for lead paint, prompting testing, removal

SWANSBORO, N.C. (WNCT) — A recent inspection at a Swansboro Elementary School revealed the use of lead-based paint.

The lead-based paint was found under several layers of different paint, according to information from the Onslow County Health Department. Officials said it was likely due to the age of the school that lead paint was present. They do not believe that any child has been affected by the paint.

Onslow County Schools said on Friday they will be working to remove all the lead-based paint. State and County officials will overlook the process during summertime. In a statement, the school system said, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff are our highest priorities, and we take any threat to their health very seriously. The following information was shared with families at Swansboro Elementary School to address concerns raised regarding potential lead poisoning hazards at the school.”

The school system also stated that their maintenance staff ran two tests over the year to look for any other hazardous material. The paint was located primarily on the cafeteria door casing, book storage room door casing, and all door casings in 101/102/103/106 and 105/108/111/112 quads. No lead dust or water contamination was found.

The Onslow County Health Department is hosting an outreach for testing on May 3, from 9 a.m. to noon at Swansboro Elementary School. The Health Department also takes appointments. Walk-ins are offered from May 6-17, at 8 a.m.-noon and 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. The tests are free.

Parents who may have any questions or concerns about the health effects or the blood lead test can contact a Public Health Nurse at (910) 989-3939.

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