The Health Effects of Lead in Drinking Water
Drinking tap water is convenient and
economical, however, it also comes with a downside - the possibility of
lead contamination. Just recently, the city of Flint in the US state of
Michigan was faced with serious water contamination problems due to the
leaching of this toxic heavy metal, exposing thousands of people to high
levels of it and resulting in the ongoing health problems the city is
dealing with. Although this may be an extreme case, lead can easily find
its way into the water you drink, and there are several reasons why you
wouldn't want it to end up there. Allow us to inform you on the matter:
First of all, what is lead and where is it
found?
Lead is an element, which means it does not break down into less harmful
substances. Despite its poisoning effects, its presence cannot be
picked up by our senses. However, it is surprisingly found in a number
of objects and materials that may be present in your home.
Common
sources include:
House paint from before 1978
Metal pipes and sink faucets
Paint sets and art supplies
Jewelry and pottery
Storage batteries
Kohl or kajol eyeliners
Soil polluted by car exhaust fumes, outdated pesticides or chipping
house paint
How does it enter our water supply?
Considering lead sources like metal pipes, soil and house paint, it's
easy to understand how such an element could end up in your water. The
chances of this happening are higher if you live in an area where the
soil is contaminated by lead due to pesticide use in previous decades,
or if you live in an old house that has old pipes, fixtures, or paint.
Although laws in many countries now restrict the use of these materials,
they could still be present in some homes.
Another contributor to lead leaching into a water supply is water
corrosivity. The use of soft water, which is water that is low in
dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium, as well as warm water, both
increase the risk of lead corrosion. This kind of problem is common in
Pennsylvania, where 65% of water samples tested were found to be
potentially corrosive.
If the municipal water supply in your town and your plumbing system at
home do not incorporate lead pipes, lead solder or brass fixtures, you
probably shouldn't worry about dangerous lead levels in your water. You
might want to contact your water company to inquire about this, or get
your tap water tested to determine whether it's safe to drink or not.
What are the health effects?
First of all, the presence of lead in drinking water is never a good
sign, even if this is found at low levels. In fact, EPA has set its
maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) at zero, since even as little as 5
micrograms per deciliter in the blood can signify lead poisoning, which
is a huge threat to our health. Lead is a persistent element that can
accumulate in the body over time, leading to serious health issues,
especially in young children.
Note that lead can only have adverse effects on your body if it is
ingested. This means that using water containing the presence of lead
for bathing is safe for you and your children.
Here are some of its health effects:
1. It can damage brain development in children.
Lead is toxic enough to hinder brain development if sufficient amounts
of it are ingested. Erik Olson, director of the health and environmental
program at the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC), says that
this could have an alarming effect on children exposed to it, as they
may begin to exhibit unusual behavior.
Low IQ levels, poor learning abilities, stunted growth, hearing problems
and anemia could all be signs of lead exposure in children. In extreme
cases, there have been occurrences of seizures, comas, and even deaths.
2. Lead accumulates in your bones and can stay in your body for years.
If you're exposed to lead, chances are you'll have it lingering in your
system for the rest of your life. Of course, this exposes you to an
increased risk of cancer, stroke, memory problems, kidney disease, and
high blood pressure. One place where it is bound to gather is in your
bones, from where it can possibly be released over time due to stress or
even pregnancy.
With the above being said, a pregnant mother that has previously been
exposed to excessive levels of lead may transfer any lead lingering in
her bones to her unborn baby as maternal calcium. This can result in
developmental problems, such as a premature birth or stunted growth.
3. It triggers violent crime.
Although it might sound far-fetched, lead exposure has actually been
linked with increased incidences of vital crime. Children who are
exposed to excessive levels of lead have an increased likelihood of
committing a crime when they reach adulthood. According to Erik Olson,
some of the crime we are faced with today could be a consequence of the
lack of lead regulations from three decades ago.
4. Its exposure may be asymptomatic for years.
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry, the
health effects of lead aren't all identified yet. This is due to the
fact that the effects could remain asymptomatic for a very long time.
While lead has been shown to increase the risk of certain diseases (as
previously mentioned), it could also trigger vague symptoms that include
fatigue, impotence, and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension. Of
course, these depend on factors such as age, diet, and weight.
Basically, lead can cause trouble in every single organ in your body,
and may intensify any problems that were already present.
5. You can suffer from lead poisoning.
If you've been exposed to lead for an extended period of time, it will
gradually build up in your body, putting you at an increased risk of
lead poisoning. Note that it is highly unlikely for this to happen after
just a single event of lead ingestion.
The signs of lead toxicity may
include:
Abdominal pain or cramps
Aggressive behavior
Constipation
Sleep problems
Headaches
Irritability
Fatigue
Numbness or tingling in the extremities
High blood pressure
Memory loss
Anemia
Kidney dysfunction
In severe cases, these emergency symptoms may also be present:
Vomiting
Muscle weakness
Stumbling when walking
Seizures
Coma
Encephalopathy, which manifests as confusion, coma and, seizures
In the event that you experience these symptoms, you should call your
local health department to learn about how to remove the lead and how to
prevent the effects of its toxicity. If the person is severely
poisoned, a treatment known as chelation therapy would probably be
recommended to remove the lead as efficiently as possible.
How can I prevent lead exposure?
There are some measures you should take to avoid lead exposure as much
as possible.
Here are some tips:
Avoid painted toys and canned goods from foreign countries.
Keep your home as clear of dust as possible.
Use cold instead of warm water when preparing meals and drinks.
Encourage family members to wash their hands before eating.
Get your water tested for lead levels.If they are high, consider
using a filtering device, or switching to bottled water.
Make sure you get your faucets and aerators cleaned regularly.
Clean children's toys and bottles regularly.
Use lead-free paint in your home.
Get your children screened for blood lead levels.
Stay away from areas where lead-based paint may have been used.
Follow the EPA's guide on how you can protect your family from lead
exposures.