Keene Equinox

Elliot Hall has always had a special history with children. For over 70 years the building, known as Elliot City Hospital and then Elliot Community Hospital, welcomed babies into the world. In 1973 Keene State College acquired the building, naming it Elliot Hall.… Post the First Comment

In the summer of 2007, Keene State College released information of elevated lead levels in outdoor paint in and around the Elliot Hall's Child Development Center (CDC). Less than two months later, a Harvard Medical School official spoke at KSC's 2007 Sidore Lecture on childhood lead poisoning.… Post the First Comment

Encapsulation of lead-based paint is a cost-effective short-term solution, but over time can end up costing more than the abatement of lead paint. According to Frank Ronan, business manager of EnviroVantage, an environmental clean-up company, encapsulation only involves covering up lead paint, not removing it fully.… Post the First Comment

The amount of lead in childrens' blood required to prompt a health inspection was reduced by half with new state legislation, effective Jan. 1, 2008. New Hampshire Senate Bill 176 amends the Lead Paint Prevention and Control law, by creating tougher state oversight and protection of children New Hampshire Governor John Lynch (D) signed Senate Bill 176 on July 12, 2007.… Post the First Comment

Fifteen years after lead toxins were found in the children's playground soil at Keene State College, 20 percent of that same ground still tests over state and federal safety limits, according to an Equinox investigation. On Sept. 25, 2007, The Equinox collected 10 soil samples from the Child Development Center playground at KSC.… 1 Comment

While lead-based paint chips are one way for children to get lead poisoning, another way is by lead contaminated soil in areas such as playgrounds. "Soil is a huge issue," said Katie Lajoie, a New Hampshire public health nurse, at a Keene State College lecture focusing on lead poisoning in children in October 2007.… Post the First Comment

When 17 Keene State College students signed up to take "Investigating Environmental Problems" last fall, they weren't expecting to be digging in dirt or scraping paint chips from railings, windows or buildings. Yet those efforts resulted in providing data on the health of many campus buildings and facilities when it comes to lead paint, a known environmental and public health hazard.… Post the First Comment