Signs of Repeated Lead Exposure in Your Plumbing

You may not realize it, but there may be lead in your drinking water. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not like any lead to be contained in drinking water because lead is a toxic metal. Not only can it be bad for human health, but even low exposure levels can cause problems. Unfortunately, lead is persistent and over time, it can accumulate in the body and eventually cause serious health problems.

Much like mercury exposure, fetuses, infants, and young children are the most vulnerable to lead exposure because lead can cause both physical and behavioral effects in children, even when the exposure levels are low. A small dose of lead may have a minor effect on an adult, but its effect can be significant on a child.

Effects of Lead Poisoning

The EPA says that even low levels of lead exposure in children have been linked to:

• Central nervous system damage
• Peripheral nervous system damage
• Learning disabilities
• Slowed growth
• Lower IQ
• Hyperactivity
• Anemia
• Behavioral problems
• Learning problems
• Hearing problems
• Impaired formation of the blood cells
• Impaired function of the blood cells

While children have been exposed to lead through paint, dust, food, and soil, they have also been exposed it to the drinking water in their own homes.

How Does Lead Get Into Drinking Water?

It’s pretty simple; lead can get into drinking water when a home’s plumbing pipes contain lead and they corrode. If the water has high acidity or low mineral content, either can contribute to corrosion of the pipes, fixtures, and pipes in the home. In our experience, the homes with the most significant lead levels have lead pipes that connect to lead service lines. Lead pipes are most common in older cities with older homes built before 1986.

Winters® Home Services for Lead Testing

Do you suspect that lead may be in your drinking water? If so, contact Winters® Home Services for fast and efficient lead testing for only $99. If you do have lead in your water, don’t panic. We can go over the various water filtration systems available that can ensure that your family’s drinking water is safe.