The water we drink is no longer safe. It contains numerous amounts of toxin and pollutants that make it hazardous to health. One of these toxins is lead.
Lead is a natural occurring toxic matter found in the earth crust. Its excessive use has contaminated the environment and caused adverse side effect on health as well.
Exposure of lead can be in two ways. First by inhaling, lead particle enter your air way when you breathe in the fumes of burning material which contains lead. Lead particles are released into the environment during the process of smelting, recycling, consumption of leaded fuel or paint etc.
Second, through consumption or ingestion. This is done when water from lead pipes or food coated or contained in lead containers is consumed.
How Does Lead Contaminate Your Drinking Water?
The leading cause of lead contamination in drinking water is due to pipe line corrosion. This happens when the water has high acidity and low level of mineral contents, making water chemistry a contributing factor in pipes and faucet corrosion.
Corrosion dissolves the metal when it comes in contact with water. The release of lead is also determined by the acidity or alkalinity of the water, the temperature, water storage and the protective lining of the plumbing.
Therefore, plumbing system should be treated with corrosion control to reduce the level of lead in drinking water.
The Dangers of Lead
Lead has many adverse side effects on health and environment, but the young ones are more susceptible to its exposure than the adults.
Lead contamination mostly impacts babies, infants and fetuses, it causes brain development problems and pregnant women who consume lead infused water may experience prenatal birth.
As children are more vulnerable to lead than adults, even a short amount of exposure can have a drastic impact on their health. This is why the recommended amount of lead in a child’s blood should be less than 5 microgram per deciliter (µg/dL).
Lead consumption damages the central and peripheral nervous system, which might cause learning disabilities, short stature, hearing loss, and impaired formation.
Moreover adults who are exposed with lead may increase their chance of cardio vascular diseases, high blood pressure and hyper tension. It may also cause kidney failure as well as reproductive issues in both men and women.
If you are concerned about lead contamination in your water, call Affordable Water Treatment now. They provide full service—from free water analysis to a wide range of water treatment products.
