What is the effect of lead in drinking water?
In a previous article, we mentioned some types of minerals found in tap water, and we have clarified that the effect of lead in drinking water is one of the worst and most harmful minerals, as we will explain in this article.
The history of lead in our water
Lead pipes were used in the past for service lines that moved water from the water system to homes or businesses. Lead pipe was promoted as safe for public water systems as well as being easy to lay, seal, and repair.
Until the late 19th century, lead pipes were considered a possible cause of lead poisoning. Restrictions on the use of lead service lines began in the 1930s. However, intermittent use of lead pipes and solder continued until 1800 were amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). These changes prohibited the use of the lead-containing pipe, solder, and flux for public water systems not considered “lead-free.”
“Lead-free” has been defined as a lead content of less than 8.0% for pipes and pipe fittings or less than 0.2% for welding and flux. In 2011, the definition “lead-free” was defined for pipes, fittings, and fittings having an average lead content of less than 0.25% across wet surfaces.
The safe limit for lead in drinking water
The safe limit for lead in drinking water has been set as 50 mcg/L (ppb). Sufficient technology was available to test drinking water at this level, using pre-concentration step atomic absorption (AA) and graphite furnace atomic absorption (GFAA) methods.
As an increasing number of studies provided a better understanding of lead poisoning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proclaimed a lead-copper rule in June 1991. The cause of most lead poisoning in children was lead paint. However, it has been discovered that additional lead consumed with drinking water in concentrations less than 50 mcg/L can contribute to lead poisoning in children and adults. The Lead and Copper Base established a new limit for the lead of 15 µg/L in the drinking water supply based on a specific sampling technique. Several changes have been made to the rule to improve reporting for end-users. Recently, there have been changes in the sampling method, including eliminating pre-stasis washout.
What are the health problems of lead contamination in drinking water?
Lead is a toxic substance that accumulates in the body and affects many of its organs, especially young children.
Lead is distributed in the body to the brain, liver, kidneys, and bones. It is stored in the teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Human exposure to lead is usually assessed by measuring the level of lead in the blood.
Lead moves from the bones into the blood during pregnancy and the fetus becomes exposed to it during its development.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high concentrations of lead can damage a variety of body processes. Including the nervous and reproductive systems, heart, bones, intestines, and kidneys. Pregnant women and children are particularly susceptible. Where lead poisoning affects the development of the nervous system. High levels of lead in the blood can cause irreversible consequences such as behavioral problems, learning difficulties and mental retardation. Symptoms of lead poisoning include mood disturbances, memory loss, decreased mental function, headache, and abdominal pain.
Reverse osmosis technology is the best solution to solve the problem of lead in drinking water
Reverse osmosis technology has proven effective results when treating water with it in removing pollutants and obtaining safe drinking water. You can learn more and contact the expert here.
