The University is currently operating under normal conditions

The Carolina community can continue to receive updates on the list of buildings with detectable lead, the specific impacted fixtures and the lead levels at EHS.unc.edu or by following the new EHS Twitter channel @unc_ehs.

Over the past month, Environment, Health and Safety has been testing water fixtures across campus for lead levels and received results back that there is detectable lead in 35 fixtures (21 water fountains and 14 sinks) in eight buildings: Fordham Hall, Hamilton Hall, Manning Hall, Phillips Hall, South Building, Wilson Library, Carrington Hall and Isaac M. Taylor Hall.

As we announced last week, the EHS website includes the list of buildings with detectable lead, the specific impacted fixtures and the lead levels. It also includes answers to frequently asked questions and resources for more information. In addition, the most recent updates will be published to the new EHS Twitter channel @unc_ehs, so please follow it to stay informed.

We continue to test drinking water fixtures (water fountains, kitchen/breakroom sinks and ice machines) each day, and we receive results 5-7 days after the initial test. A sign is placed on the fixture during testing to instruct people not to drink from the fixture. EHS compares the results to the EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb) but will take action if there is any detectable lead. If detectable lead is found, we then shut off the water fixtures, leave the signs in place, notify the building occupants and post the results on the EHS website.

Since students who study in these buildings may not receive this notification, follow @unc_ehs for timely updates as well.

The water testing is proceeding in a phased approach that is expected to last multiple weeks:

When EHS tests a fixture, it is removed from service until the results of the test come back. If there is any level of lead detected, the fixture is removed from service completely and the process to replace that fixture begins.

The University has health testing for lead available for UNC-Chapel Hill faculty, staff and students who work or study in the affected buildings. Lead level blood testing is provided if recommended and ordered by campus medical providers based on suspected exposure and health conditions, such as pregnancy and communicated symptoms.

To get tested, please follow the instructions below.

For students and post-doctoral fellows:

Information about the effects of lead in water can be found on the CDC’s website and on the EPA’s website. Additional questions can be directed to Environment, Health and Safety at 919-962-5507.

George Battle Vice Chancellor for Institutional Integrity and Risk Management

Cathy Brennan Executive Director of Environment, Health and Safety

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