Dear Hough families,

The purpose of this message is to notify you of possible lead exposure at Hough Elementary School. Clark County Public Health visited Hough on May 2 to respond to a citizen complaint about mold. Public Health identified the presence of mold, and Vancouver Public Schools is addressing this issue.

During the May 2 visit, Public Health staff members also noticed chipping paint around classroom windows and, given the age of the building, were concerned about the possibility of lead-based paint.

A lead specialist from Public Health returned May 9 and performed a screening test. The test indicated the presence of lead in the chipping paint around the windows. Vancouver Public Schools is working with an environmental services company to conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to determine the amount of lead present. Results will be communicated with families and staff members as soon as they are available. Next steps also will be communicated as soon as the results are known.

Exposure to lead can result in elevated levels of lead in the bloodstream. Lead-based paint and its dust, most commonly found in buildings and homes constructed before 1978, are the biggest sources of lead exposure in children. Children younger than six years are at the highest risk because they often put their hands and objects in their mouths.

If you have concerns about lead exposure, talk to your health care provider or contact Public Health at 564.397.8182. For questions about the school, please call the school office at 360-313-2100.

You can learn more about lead exposure on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Vancouver Public Schools is committed to ongoing inspections and testing for lead, radon and asbestos as part of our preventative maintenance plan. You can find out when, where and how we test on the environmental monitoring webpage.