What happens if lead is in drinking water?
High levels of lead in tap water can cause health effects if the lead in the water enters the blood and causes high blood lead level. It can cause damage to the brain and kidneys, and can interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
Why is lead bad for Rivers?
2) Lead pipes can leach toxins into a water source On the other hand, parts of pipe networks can contain lead — and lead can get into water flowing through those pipes if they become corroded over time and through heavy use. Water is naturally corrosive — its oxygen molecule will break down lead piping.
Can drinking water from lead pipes harm you?
Lead dissolving into drinking water from lead pipes can be harmful if it builds up in the body – especially for babies and children, whose development can be affected. Lead solder used for jointing copper pipes as a low-cost alternative by DIY enthusiasts or unqualified plumbers can also put drinking water at risk.
Does boiling water kill lead?
Heating or boiling your water will not remove lead. Because some of the water evaporates during the boiling process, the lead concentration of the water can actually increase slightly as the water is boiled. Avoid cooking with or drinking hot tap water because hot water dissolves lead more readily than cold water does.
What removes lead from water?
The CDC suggests two ways to remove lead from drinking water: Reverse Osmosis or Distillation. Reverse osmosis is a simple and economical way to protect your household drinking water by filtering out contaminants like lead. Reverse Osmosis can remove 99.1% of lead in water.
Should I worry about lead poisoning?
Lead poisoning is a serious risk for young kids. According to the Centers of Disease Control, more than half a million children ages 1-5 in the U.S. have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. Even with treatment, lead poisoning can permanently affect a child’s development.
