Below are a few questions we often
here about lead poisoning...
What are the primary sources of
lead exposure in humans?
A: Nationally, the primary source of
lead exposure is lead paint. The two
primary lead exposure routes for
humans are inhalation and ingestion.
Lead from airborne sources has been
reduced since the phase out and
elimination of lead additives in
gasoline. Lead is also found in
urban areas with older homes
containing leaded paint which is
also a source of soil contamination.
Once lead enters the soil it adheres
to the soil particles. Soil
containing lead may also be blown by
the wind, exposing people to lead
containing dust. Movement of lead
into groundwater is unlikely unless
the water is acidic; a common
situation in acid mine drainage
areas. Sources of lead in surface
water or sediment include deposits
of lead-containing dust from the
atmosphere, waste water from
industries that handle lead (iron
and steel and lead producers), urban
runoff, and mining piles. Foods such
as fruits, vegetables, meats,
grains, seafood, soft drinks, and
wine may contain lead. Cigarette
smoke also contains small amounts of
lead. Lead gets into food from water
during cooking and into foods and
beverages from dust that contains
lead falling onto food during
processing. The amount of lead found
in canned food (lead solder joints)
decreased 87% between 1980-88.
Levels of lead may build up in
plants and animals in areas where
air, water, or soil are
contaminated. If animals eat
contaminated plants or animals, most
of the lead they eat will pass
through their bodies. In general,
very little lead is found in the
groundwater or surface waters
sources of drinking water (lakes,
rivers, streams). Groundwater that
is acidic may cause lead found in
pipes, leaded solder, and brass
faucets to enter water. Public water
systems are required to treat water
to make it less corrosive; this may
include decreasing the acidity of
the water.
Q: How does lead get into my
drinking water?
A: Although sometimes found in
natural deposits near drinking water
sources, lead contamination
generally occurs from the corrosion
of lead pipes either between the
water main and a customer's home
(lead service lines) or in a home or
building's plumbing system. Even in
homes not served by a lead service
line, corrosive water may cause lead
to leach from lead pipes, lead
solder, and brass fixtures.
Q: How much lead is harmful?
A: Blood lead levels of 10
micrograms of lead per deciliter of
blood (mcg/dL) or greater are
considered harmful. This level has
been associated with decreased
intelligence, behavior problems,
reduced physical stature and growth,
and impaired hearing. A child is
estimated to lose 2 IQ points for
each 10-mcg/dL increase lead in
blood lead concentrations. A variety
of intervention actions are taken at
various thresholds above 10 mcg/dL.
Pregnant women and women who are
nursing are also at risk from lead
exposure. Fetuses have been shown to
receive lead from their mothers and
nursing mothers can pass lead
through their breast milk. In both
cases, the unborn and young children
are taking in levels of lead that
have more of an impact due to their
smaller size. It should be noted
that local and state health
departments recommend that children
be routinely screened for lead at 9
months and again at 24 months.
Q: Does a high level of lead in
tap water cause health effects?
A: High levels of lead in tap water
can cause adverse health effects
because the lead may enter the
bloodstream and cause an elevated
blood lead level. Most studies show
that exposure to lead-contaminated
water alone would not be likely to
elevate blood lead levels in most
adults, even with exposure to water
with lead content close to the EPA
"Action Level" of 15 ppb. Risk will
vary depending upon the individual,
the circumstances, and the amount of
water consumed. For example, infants
who drink formula prepared with lead
contaminated water are considered to
be at higher risk because of the
large volume of water they consume
relative to their body size.
Q: Are some people more at risk
than others from lead in drinking
water?
A: Yes. Children under the age of 6,
pregnant women, and nursing mothers
are considered to be most at risk.
Children because of their smaller
body size and pregnant and breast
feeding mothers because of leads
ability to pass through the placenta
and through breast milk to the
child. If you fall into one of these
categories and are concerned,
contact your local health department
or physician.
sources: Water Magazine, Water
Technology Magazine
More on
the harmful effects of lead on our bodies to
come...
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