Imagine opening the tap for a refreshing beverage, and the first eager gulp is already in your mouth with unknown impurities. May tragedies like these become an everyday occurrence for many people with water contaminated with lead.

Lead pipes and plumbing fixtures, old relics obsolete for decades, still contain serious dangers, particularly for susceptible populations such as children and older people.

A Silent Culprit: Lead in Your Tap Water

Lead pipes were a popular material in water supply systems until the 1980s. To this day, these pipes and lead solder in the older ones pose a threat of exposure to this metal by leaching it into the drinking water, which is a significant health problem.

Here’s why lead becomes a concern:

1-Corrosion

Lead can be introduced into the water as the pipes wear away and lead flakes fall apart and are released into the pipes of the plumbing system.

2-Water Chemistry

The harmony of acidic or base water is the quickest way to accelerate the change process, and adding lead into the water to improve the taste evolves more aggressively.

The Negative Effects of Lead Exposure

Lead is a lethal heavy metal that, settling in the organism, causes problems. Children under the age of six and pregnant women are especially vulnerable.

Neurological Damage

The adverse effects of exposure to lead on the baby’s brain are numerous, as children may develop learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and a diminished IQ.

Developmental Delays

Children may experience retarded growth and may become deaf.

Reproductive Issues

Exposure of pregnant women to lead may cause miscarriage and premature delivery and will also be a reason for complications in the development of the fetus.

Long-Term Health Problems

Adults who have been exposed to lead for several years can end up having high blood pressure, kidney complications, or even cognitive problems.

Safeguarding Your Health: What You Need to Do

The good news is that you can take steps to mitigate the risks:

Lead Testing

Let certified professionals test your water. Also, readily available testing kits will help people determine whether it is safe to go to public places.

Replacing Lead Pipes

The first step is to replace your lead pipes with lead-free alternatives if you have affected pipes in your home.

Flushing the Tap

The best thing to do is run the cold water for at least a few minutes before you consume it, especially when the water has been stagnant for several hours.

Considering Alternative Water Sources

In cases of lead contamination confirmation, consider the options of using bottled water or filtration systems that are approved to remove lead.