Saturday, March 8, 2008

Tap Water Series: Getting the Lead Out

Recent public service and campaigns have stressed
drinking tap water. Our Tap Water Series of Articles
will help show why Tap Water may not be the best source
of your water for drinking, cooking, and even bathing.

Tap Water: Getting the Lead Out



 

This picture, of course, is an exaggeration.  The real hazard
comes from what YOU CANNOT SEE in your water!

Health Threats From Lead


Too much lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.

In babies and children, exposure to lead in drinking water above the action level can result in delays in physical and mental development, along with slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. In adults, it can cause increases in blood pressure. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Although much public outcry and concern is made over toys that may contain lead, you hear very little about whether the water that our children drink is a lead hazard.

It is estimated that lead in drinking water contributes between 10%-20% of total lead exposure in young children.
 
Sources of Lead in Drinking Water
Lead levels in your drinking water are likely to be highest if:

    * your home has faucets or fittings of brass which contains some lead,
    * your home or water system has lead pipes
    * your home has copper pipes with solder
    * the house is less than five years old
    * you have naturally soft water
    * water often sits in the pipes for several hours

Pure, clean, bottled water is a good, safe, alternate choice to help eliminate lead exposure.

 

 

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