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Dangers of Lead Water Pipes

Lead is not the threat to the environment that it once was when paint, gasoline, water pipes and other commonly used items contained lead. While most houses built after 1986 or so no longer contain any lead piping, water mains and water pipes installed before that time could be made of lead, contain lead solder or have brass faucets, which means there are still dangers from lead present in the water supply to some areas and homes.

  1. Lead Danger Levels

    • During the 1970s, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of lead in these products, bolstered by study results that showed even small amounts of lead can have harmful effects in adults and particularly children and infants. While there is no such thing as a truly "safe" level of lead, especially given the fact that it accumulates and is stored in the body, the EPA considers levels over 15 parts per billion (ppb) to be "action levels" that require corrective measures. Lead pipes leach small amounts of lead into the water supply, especially pipes that carry hot water.

    Health Issues-Adults

    • Lead is responsible for health issues in adults, mostly affecting the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and the nervous system. Low levels, stored over a period, can cause headache, memory loss, mood disorders, fatigue, abdominal pain and numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Women can experience miscarriages or premature births, while men may experience abnormal sperm or a reduced sperm count. In higher levels, lead can cause kidney damage and disrupt the nervous system. Seizures, loss of consciousness and death can result from very high levels of lead. Pregnant women who consume lead can cause birth defects in their unborn children.

    Health Issues-Children

    • Young children and infants are the most affected by lead poisoning. Lead can cause brain damage and learning disabilities, even in small amounts. Behavioral disabilities are also very common in children with lead poisoning, as is weight loss and low appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, anemia and fatigue. Infants can experience low IQ, developmental issues and slowed growth. If levels of lead over 15 ppb are found in the water, it is best to use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing teeth or to use a filtering system capable of removing lead. If that is not feasible, drink from the cold side of the faucet after letting the water run for about one minute, particularly if the water has been sitting in the pipes for over six hours.

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