As the Charles County government considers allowing the expansion of the privately owned Maryland Airport, there have been serious questions regarding the risk to public health from the possible increase of lead particles through plane fuel exhaust, if this expansion is allowed.

This airport is located less than 1-mile away from J.C. Parks Elementary and Matthew Henson Middle school. This would put students at an increased risk of lead poisoning. This is especially troubling, as the airport has discussed opening a flight school after the expansion.

Small planes departing and landing produce leaded fuel exhaust which particles can reach the two schools. Lead poisoning can cause cognitive, behavioral, and developmental issues in children. The CDC says that the body absorb higher levels of lead when breathed-in and the Mayo Clinic says there is no safe blood level of lead.

As COVID-19 is spiking in Charles County, we must protect our schools' students, teachers, and support staff from all airborne diseases.

Please sign this letter campaign to urge the Charles County Commissioners and Charles County's Health Officer to ensure a robust lead testing program, including providing all J.C. Parks Elementary and Matthew Henson Middle school students with access to lead testing for poisoning, as well as routinely test indoor and outdoor surfaces frequented by students for lead particles. We are also calling on the Commissioners to do everything in their power to stop lead from poisoning our community.