Low turnout for lead clinic, more testing available

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A free lead testing clinic was held Tuesday for students after recent EPA violations regarding asbestos and lead paint concerns at the Youngstown Academy of Excellence.

The clinic was hosted by the Youngstown City Health District. Noelle Kosela, an epidemiologist with the health district, said they weren’t sure what the turnout was going to be, but the clinic ended up testing five students.

It will take about a week to receive the test results, which will get sent to the health department, who will then inform the patients.

For those unable to make Tuesday’s clinic, Kosela says not to worry.

“We want to stress that any parents that were unaware of the testing or could not make it yesterday to call the health department as we have more tests and can get scheduled,” Kosela said.

To schedule testing, call 330-742-8221.

The testing follows a notice of violation issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on June 13 to ACCEL Schools Ohio for asbestos and lead paint concerns at three of its Valley public charter schools. The EPA discovered these issues during inspections at Youngstown Academy of Excellence, Niles Preparatory Academy and STEAM Academy of Warren.

The EPA says the violation may present hazards to students, faculty and staff.

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