New Isotope of Lead Discovered in 2nd-Floor Water Fountain

On October 24, 2023, inspectors from the MCPS Department of Maintenance and Operations discovered a formerly unknown naturally occurring isotope of lead, Pb-219, during an annual routine inspection of the school's water fountains.

The school has already taken several measures to limit the possible effects of this potentially dangerous isotope. Renay Johnson, the principal of Montgomery Blair High School, has made a public statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), saying, “As of today, a potentially dangerous isotope of lead has been found in Montgomery Blair High School. Until next week, all school activities, including classes, are to be suspended except for boys’ football. Football brings in too much money."

Not much is known about this new isotope of lead, but initial tests suggest that the isotope is radiologically unstable and extremely carcinogenic. Even so, this new isotope of lead might remain a permanent part of Blair life, as removal efforts face extreme delays and cost overruns. In addition, there is pushback from the students of the school itself. Nathaniel Bingenheimer, a sophomore at Montgomery Blair High School, claims that “this new isotope of lead adds a pleasantly sweet backdrop to the bold flavors of Pb-208 and Pb-204 in our water fountains that you just can’t get anywhere else.”

Efforts to remove the lead have also been frustrated by ecologically-minded students. Anita Brian, the leader of a group of student protesters speaking out against the removal, said, “We should not remove the endangered species of lead from its natural habitat. The unique school environment depends on the biodiversity of the lead in the water, and by removing Lead-219, we will be disrupting the ecosystem.” All in all, it is extremely likely that the Lead-219 will be here to stay for the foreseeable future.