Background In response to a report that a chip of peeling paint at McGuire School contained lead, the North Providence School Department hired a RI-licensed lead inspector to inspect the school for lead hazards. The inspector conducted a comprehensive lead inspection of areas of the school that fall under the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) regulations - areas routinely used by children younger than six years of age.
By regulation, lead-based paint hazards are defined as paint that is damaged (peeling, cracked) and contains lead at concentrations greater than 600 ppm or, if measured by a field XRF instrument, greater than 1 mg/cm2. At a special parents’meeting on November 7, McGuire School administration agreed to inspect the entire school.
A copy of the complete survey results and clearance test results are available at the North Providence public library. A summary of the inspection is given below.
Initial Inspection of McGuire School (Summary)
Location of Damaged Lead Paint Action Taken Basement Rooms - Area closed off from rest of school. Children will not have access to the basement until abatement is complete and clearance test results indicate that the area is safe.
Main Entrance, Main Hall (newer portion), Nurse’s Room - Touch-up painting will make area safe.
Gym, Center Hall, Main Hall (older portion) - Deep cleaning being performed by licensed abatement contractor. Children can use this area once clearance test results indicate the area is safe.
Room 8, Kindergartens, Speech Room and Adjacent Bathroom, Room 13 - Once basement rooms are safe, these classes will be temporarily moved to basement. Children can return to these areas once abatement is completed and clearance results indicate the area is safe.
No hazards were found in two areas, the boys and girls lavatories.
Summary of clearance results from McGuire School conducted on November 8, 2008 On November 8, a RI-certified lead inspector took dust samples in the ten rooms not listed in the above table. The inspector took samples from the floor and windows in each of the ten rooms. All results were within safe limits.
Summary of clearance results from McGuire School conducted on November 9, 2008 On November 9, a RI-certified lead inspector took dust samples in each of the areas where a licensed lead abatement contractor had conducted deep cleaning. Test results are expected by the end of the day on November 11. Updated information will be posted on HEALTH’s website. (www.health.ri.gov)