It is very alarming to find lead Water in your Tap supply. Your family’s health is at risk if your tap water contains lead. It is hard to detect lead in water because you cannot smell, taste, or see it. This article will show you how to test water for lead, and how to get rid of it.
Lead can be found in certain soils and water sources as a naturally occurring element. Because of its soft and malleable texture, lead has been used in plumbing pipes and construction over the years. The majority of lead contamination is caused by corrosive fixtures and pipes that supply drinking water. This includes fixtures built before 1986 when lead was outlawed in construction. Water travels through old pipes and absorbs lead. Although lead is not used in toys and homes anymore, there are still practical applications for the medical-industrial industries. It can safely store radioactive, block radioactive rays inline batteries, x-rays, or other corrosive substances.
Lead Contamination Potential Sources In Water:
- Lead pipes: Older houses often have corrosive leads pipes. The rate of corrosion is faster if your water is acidic. Water absorbs lead as the pipes corrode and flow into your tap.
- Lead paint: Older houses also have lead-based paint. This paint eventually chips and leaves dust.
- Soil: There are some areas with high levels of lead in the soil. Families are exposed to the dangerous effects of lead as water flows through the ground and into their homes.
Is Lead In Water Safe To Drink?
The toxic effects of lead are so great that drinking water containing it is not safe. The Environmental Protection Agency does not consider any amount of lead drinking safe. The EPA’s goal is to have no lead in water, but it must not exceed 15 parts of every billion. To protect public drinking water supplies, the Lead and Copper Rule requires that public water systems monitor for lead in water. The public may be required to provide information to their customers about how to protect their health, and possibly replace any lead service lines they control if 10% exceeds this limit. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), requires that bottled water contain less than 5 ppb lead.
A 2016 report by the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Information System database (SDWIS), revealed that over 6 million people and 2,000 drinking water systems had high levels of lead in their water during a 4-year period. Flint, Michigan failed to implement corrosion control. Newark’s failed corrosion control methods were however successful. 12% more water samples were taken this year than the previous year.
What Could Happen To Your Body?
Children and adults are at risk from lead poisoning if they inhale it. Lead poisoning is a serious health risk for children and adults. Lead poisoning is a serious illness that can cause severe damage to the immune system and bones. Anemia, stunted growth, and impaired hearing may also be experienced by children. Premature births and fetal development can also be hampered by lead. Reproductive problems, such as kidney and cardiovascular disease, can be experienced by adults.
Water health effects of lead
- Developmental delay
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Seizures
- Appetite loss
These are only a few symptoms of lead poisoning. These symptoms may also indicate other health problems, so it is a good idea to see your primary care doctor if you are worried.
Is it possible to absorb lead in water through the skin?
It is safe to bathe with lead-contaminated water because the skin doesn’t absorb any lead. This will vary depending on how much lead is in the water and the health of the person.
Groups At High Risk For Lead Poisoning
Certain groups are more at risk of lead poisoning than others. Children are more at risk of lead poisoning than adults. The risk of lead poisoning increases when children are more inclined to put objects in their mouths. Pregnant women have a higher risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Breastfeeding mothers and expectant mothers are at greater risk of adverse effects on their babies’ nervous systems and organs. This is because infants absorb lead from their mothers.
This post was written by a water treatment expert at https://www.pureblueh2o.com/ They offer whole home water solutions such as reverse osmosis systems, shower head filtration, filter replacements, and a variety of similar products. Their focus is to provide America with safe and clean water throughout the home.