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Quick Facts
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WQRF Research The study, Cost-benefits of Point-of-Use Devices in Reduction of Health Risks from Drinking Water, found the calculated lifetime loss to the Flint, MI community from lead exposure is $435M, whereas it would have cost $11M to fund a 5-year strategy supplying POU activated carbon filters with lead adsorption capabilities, or $26M for a 5-year POU reverse osmosis (RO) intervention strategy. |
About Lead
As evidenced by national media headlines, congressional hearings, and town hall meetings, concern over lead contamination in the US continues to rise. Since the lead drinking water exposure disaster in Flint, MI, there has been an increased focus on drinking water supplies and safety. Lead crises similar to the one in Flint have occurred with some regularity in numerous US cities. In multiple instances, changes in water treatment practices resulted in increased corrosion of pipes, resulting in unsafe levels of lead leaching from the distribution channels.
Homes built prior to 1986 likely have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder. Solders commonly contained about 50-percent lead until 1986. Even if these items were labeled lead-free, small amounts of lead are still allowed. Lead imparts no taste, odor or color and thus is only detected by qualified personnel and specific laboratory analyses. If the plumbing in your home is made of lead or is less than five years old, or if the water is highly corrosive (evidenced by rust-colored water) lead may be a concern.
Children, infants, and fetuses are the most severely affected populations since they adsorb lead more rapidly than adults because they are still growing and developing. Chronic exposure in children, especially under age six, is associated with developmental disorders, including reduced IQ and development of ADHD.
As evidenced by national media headlines, congressional hearings, and town hall meetings, concern over lead contamination in the US continues to rise. Since the lead drinking water exposure disaster in Flint, MI, there has been an increased focus on drinking water supplies and safety. Lead crises similar to the one in Flint have occurred with some regularity in numerous US cities. In multiple instances, changes in water treatment practices resulted in increased corrosion of pipes, resulting in unsafe levels of lead leaching from the distribution channels.
Homes built prior to 1986 likely have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder. Solders commonly contained about 50-percent lead until 1986. Even if these items were labeled lead-free, small amounts of lead are still allowed. Lead imparts no taste, odor or color and thus is only detected by qualified personnel and specific laboratory analyses. If the plumbing in your home is made of lead or is less than five years old, or if the water is highly corrosive (evidenced by rust-colored water) lead may be a concern.
Children, infants, and fetuses are the most severely affected populations since they adsorb lead more rapidly than adults because they are still growing and developing. Chronic exposure in children, especially under age six, is associated with developmental disorders, including reduced IQ and development of ADHD.
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WQRF Contaminant Occurrence Map
Check out the Contaminant Occurrence Map for visual representations of drinking water quality data for public water systems across the US. |
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Treatment
Lead levels can be dramatically reduced in tap water by first flushing the system before use, particularly if faucets have not been used for 6+ hours. Letting water run for at least 30 seconds before drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula can prevent harmful exposures.
In-home treatment technologies such as carbon, ion exchange, or other point-of-use (POU) technologies should be certified for effective lead reduction.
With all of the unknowns associated with diverse water supplies and variable contamination sources, POU filtration is recommended as a reliable safeguard against designated contaminants in water. However, routine maintenance is vital to ensure a quality product over continued use. If you have a filter to remove contaminants, maintain it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This might include cleaning it, replacing filter cartridges, and/or calling in a professional for service. Filters overdue for cleaning or replacing may no longer work properly to remove contaminants and may let foul tastes and odors remain in tap water.
Lead levels can be dramatically reduced in tap water by first flushing the system before use, particularly if faucets have not been used for 6+ hours. Letting water run for at least 30 seconds before drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula can prevent harmful exposures.
In-home treatment technologies such as carbon, ion exchange, or other point-of-use (POU) technologies should be certified for effective lead reduction.
With all of the unknowns associated with diverse water supplies and variable contamination sources, POU filtration is recommended as a reliable safeguard against designated contaminants in water. However, routine maintenance is vital to ensure a quality product over continued use. If you have a filter to remove contaminants, maintain it according to the manufacturer’s specifications. This might include cleaning it, replacing filter cartridges, and/or calling in a professional for service. Filters overdue for cleaning or replacing may no longer work properly to remove contaminants and may let foul tastes and odors remain in tap water.
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A Water Quality Expert Weighs in on the Flint, MI Lead Event
Joan Rose, PhD Interview |
A Water Expert Weighs in on Premise Plumbing
Charles Gerba, PhD Interview |
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