Lead identified in some northwestern Ontario schools

A University of Toronto report raises concerns about lead in some schools and daycares across the province.

The University's Bureau of Investigative Journalism found that 13 per cent of all drinking water tests conducted over the past five years exceeded Health Canada guidelines.

Five percent exceeds Ontario guidelines, allowing a slightly higher lead level than the federal one.

Nearly half of public schools have recorded at least one test for lead in drinking water in the past four years.

The Bureau notes that the province's higher threshold provides a false sense of security.

Some schools in northwestern Ontario identified lead in tests as early as last year.

Many others have not identified a lead in the last four years of reporting.