Lead is an extremely dangerous chemical contaminant that can be found in drinking water systems all over the united states.
Lead can be found in over 150k water lines in the Washington D.C, Maryland and Virginia area and in over 6.1 million water lines nationwide.
There are multiple ways lead can get into your drinking water. The most common are….
Corrosion from the lead welding on metal pipes that leach in as water travels through your home plumbing system.
Having lead pipes, Most older homes have at least some form of lead plumbing which consistently release lead particles into your drinking water.
Lead contamination can also occur due to discharge from industries that burn fossil fuels, mine, smelt, and manufacture. These chemicals leak into waterways and can be pumped into your home.
Lead exposure has many detrimental effects to the health of you and your family.
Lead exposure is most detrimental to the health of children. Even low amounts can result in.
- Behavior and learning disabilities
- Lower IQ and hyperactivity
- Slower growth
- Hearing problems
- And Anemia
Lead can accumulate in our bodies where it competes with calcium and is pumped through your blood vessels. It can also cross through a mother and her developing fetus causing.
- Reduced fetal development
- And premature birth
Adults can suffer from:
– Cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension
– Decreased kidney function And Reproductive issues
What can you do to reduce Lead contamination in your drinking water ?
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. BOILING WATER DOES NOT REMOVE LEAD FROM WATER
- Before drinking, flush your pipes by running your tap, taking shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes.
- Consider using a water purification system certified to remove lead.