3 years ago
WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- The DC Department of the Environment and DC Parks and Recreation are teaming up to determine the extent of lead contamination at DC Parks. The probe was ordered after 9NEWS NOW showed officials the results of lab testing we had done on paint samples from a fence at the Friendship Recreation Center.
The GPL environmental testing lab says the paint on that fence was more than 9% lead.
Lead paint has been banned in this country since 1978.
"We take this very seriously," Clark Ray, the Acting Director of DC Parks and Recreation tells 9NEWS NOW.
"An email has gone out telling the Director of Maintenance to find out how many of our parks have painted fences. Once those numbers are in, we'll work with the District Department of the Environment to determine the appropriate course of action," Ray said. Parents are anxious for the results.
"Now that we know lead is dangerous, we have to keep it away from kids," a mother told us while playing with her kids at Chevy Chase Park.
City officials have to check more than 74 playgrounds at some 300 city parks.
Written by Audrey Barnes9NEWS NOW
