Lead & Copper |
|
Lead & Copper |
 |
 |
|
|
Lead is a toxic "heavy metal" that tends to accumulate in the body and is stored primarily in bones. Lead can be found in the air, water and soil. It has no known beneficial effect on humans or animals. Lead is readily absorbed by the body. High blood lead levels contribute to a variety of problems including mental retardation, interference with kidney and neurological functions, and hearing loss in children. Children are quite susceptible to the adverse affects of lead due to their immature central nervous systems and their high rate of lead adsorption. Because water intake per pound of body weight is higher in children than adults, contaminated water is a higher risk to youth. Lead is rarely found as a naturally occurring contaminant in water. Its presence is most often due to the corrosion of water system piping. Lead piping (older homes), connections and solder have been identified as the primary sources of lead in drinking water. Lead has also been found recently in the brass fittings of certain brands of submersible well pumps. Lead piping and solder were banned by the EPA in 1986. Though a given home may contain lead in its water system, this does not necessarily mean that their will be lead in the water. The waters corrosivity will influence the rate of lead dissolution in water. Softened and acidic waters are the most likely to leach lead (and copper) from the system plumbing. To confirm the presence of lead the water must be analyzed by a state certified laboratory. The EPA, through the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, recently reduced the drinking water lead action level to 0.015 mg/L. This is equivalent to 15 parts per billion. Levels exceeding this limit in public water supplies can trigger large scale treatment programs aimed at overall reductions in lead levels. Lead (and copper) levels are likely to be highest in water that has been sitting stagnant over time. Flushing the lines until the water is fresh is an effective way to reduce lead consumption. Reverse osmosis , adsorptive cartridges, distillation and, at times, a water softener are common technologies used to reduce overall lead levels. Other methods include chemically manipulating the waters corrosivity and purchasing bottled spring water. A reputable water treatment company can help you determine which method is best for your situation. Adapted from: Wagnet, L., and Lemley, A. Lead in Drinking Water. Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State College of Human Ecology, Fact Sheet 2, September, 1993. Order Test Kit Sampling Instructions | Return Home | Contact Us | Order Test Kit | Sampling Instructions | Driving Directions | FAQ | Chain of Custody Form | Well Disinfection Instructions | |
||
 |
 |
