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Photo by Hamid Siddiqi on Unsplash

Lead identified in some schools in northwestern Ontario

By Randy Thoms Jun 21, 2024 | 5:32 PM

A report from the University of Toronto raises concern about lead in some schools and daycares across the province.

The University’s Investigation Journalism Bureau found that 13% of all tests of drinking water conducted over the last five years exceeded the Health Canada guidelines.

Five per cent exceed Ontario’s guidelines which allows for a slighter greater level of lead than the federal one.

Nearly half of public schools recorded at least one test for lead in drinking water in the past four years.

The Bureau notes that the province’s higher threshold gives a false sense of security.

Some schools in northwestern Ontario identified lead in testing as early as last year.

Many others have not identified lead in the past four years of reporting.