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Background on Lead |
Health Concerns |
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Lead is a naturally occurring bluish-gray metal found in small amounts in
the earth’s crust. There is no characteristic taste or smell to lead.
Metallic lead does not dissolve in water or burn; it combines with other
chemicals to form lead compounds or lead salts (some lead salts can dissolve
in water). Lead is known to be harmful if inhaled or ingested. It can be
found in air, water, and on land. When lead is released to land it binds
with the soil and does not contaminate the ground water. In surface water
lead binds to sediments and can accumulate in some shellfish such as mussels.
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People with elevated lead levels do not feel sick. The limit for lead
is 15 parts per billion set by the state and federal governments.
- Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood
cells
- Symtoms are stomach pains, constipation, diarrhea, hyperactivity,
weakness, learning disabilities, anemia, aggressiveness, anxiousness, decreased
vitamin D metabolism, muscle pain, weight loss and convulsions
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Sources of Lead |
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Lead leaches from lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets (usually chrome plated),
and some water meter components. It can also be found in corrosive water (very high or low pH) and
soft acidic water (low mineral content). |
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Why Test for Lead |
Remedies |
- If there is copper plumbing and/or chrome plated fixtures (lead
solder was banned in the US in 1985)
- There are signs of corrosion from water
- You have a private well
- You live in a high rise (as lead may not be flushed out)
- Your home has lead pipes (built in early 1900s or 1930s)
- If you are pregnant or nursing
- If there is a child less than 6 years old (doctor should screen
them at 9 and 24 months for lead)
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- Flush taps or faucets 30 seconds to one minute (if water has sat
over 6 hrs)
- Use only cold water for cooking and drinking
- Use bottled or distilled water
- Treat well water to make it less corrosive
- When building or remodeling insist on lead-free plumbing materials
(many newer homes use plastic water lines that are glued instead of soldered)
- Add reverse osmosis or distillation units
- Install calcite filters between the faucet and the lead problem
- Perodically remove and clean aeration devices (screens) on faucets
- *Carbon, sand, cartridge, or micro filters DO NOT remove lead!
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