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ENC elementary school offering free lead testing after lead-based paint was found

A child is tested for lead at Eisenhower Elementary School in Flint, Mich., in January. Lead contaminated the city's drinking water.
Carlos Osorio
/
AP
File: A child is tested for lead at Eisenhower Elementary School in Flint, Mich., in January. Lead contaminated the city's drinking water.

An eastern North Carolina elementary school is offering free lead testing to students on Friday after lead-based paint was found in a recent inspection.

Officials with the Onslow County Health Department say the lead paint was found underneath several paint layers at Swansboro Elementary School, but there is no indication that any child has been affected.

A plan has been approved by the school system to remove the paint completely over the summer.

Testing will take place at Swansboro Elementary School on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for children that were potentially impacted.

Appointments can also be made at the health department or walk in times are available from May 6 to May 17 at no charge.

Annette is an award-winning journalist based in Eastern North Carolina. Her career includes professional stops across the Midwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast, recently culminating in a 2026 Region 8 Edward R. Murrow Award for Small Market Radio Best News Series for her work on the Camp Lejeune Justice Act Series. Guided by a passion for human-interest storytelling, she focuses on narratives that touch hearts and connect communities. A mother of four and grandmother of two, Annette enjoys reading and creating epic Halloween costumes in her spare time. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.