Drinking Water And Lead Contamination In Michigan
Bad news: Michigan is a high-risk state for lead hazards. At least, according to the Centers For Disease Control (CDC).
While the greatest danger of exposure comes from dust (for adults) or paint chips (for children), lead is also often present in drinking water, not so much from water sources, but from the corrosion of lead plumbing materials used in older houses.
Side note: many historians believe lead poisoning contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
While homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead (pipes, fixtures and solder), new homes are also at risk... That "lead-free" plumbing may legally contain up to 8 percent lead. Up through the early 1900s, it was common practice to use lead pipes for interior plumbing. Copper pipes replaced lead pipes in most residential plumbing, but the use of lead solder was (and is) widespread... to the degree that lead solder is considered the major cause of lead contamination in drinking water.
Another contributor are those beautiful brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures -- they can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially hot water.
Older Plumbing May Present Decreasing Lead Hazards
Surprise - lead levels decrease the pipes age... assuming the water isn't corrosive. As time passes, mineral deposits form a coating on the inside of the pipes , insulating water from the solder.
But, during the first five years (before the coating forms) water is in direct contact with the lead.
Health Issues
Lead in drinking water can lead to a variety of health problems in both kids and adults.
Babies and children exposed to lead in drinking water (above the action level) can experience delays in physical and mental development, including attention deficit issues and problems with learning abilities.
Lead exposure in adults can contribute to high blood pressure and kidney problems.
The Effects of Lead Consumption Are Accumulative
Lead is a cumulative poison, meaning that the body doesn't eliminate it quickly. It enters tissue, and ultimately bones... and most of it stays in the body for years or even decades.
Tips For Cleaner Water
SAFETY NOTE: You cannot boil the lead out of water.
- Use a water filter
- Call your local health department or environmental inspector to find out about testing your water. You cannot see, smell or taste lead, and boiling your water will not get rid of lead.
- If you think your plumbing might have lead in it, have it tested.
- Use only cold water for drinking and cooking.
- Run water for 15 to 30 seconds before drinking it, especially if you have not used your water for a few hours.
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