When the lead-containing water service pipes corrode, the lead granules get intermixed in the drinking water and reach our body. Brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures with lead solder can also be the agent of lead getting intermixed in our drinking water. The process is faster when the water is hot.
(Courtesy: Roswell Park)
The Safe Drinking Water Act has set has set the maximum contaminant level goal for lead in drinking water at zero, because of the higher levels of toxicity of the metal. The lead is so harmful a metal that its accumulation in the body can cause serious and long-term harms.
Of all, the children, fetuses, and infants are most vulnerable to the exposure of lead. The adverse effects of lead in children and infants are as follows:
• Damage to the central and peripheral nervous system.
• Learning disabilities
• Shorter stature
• Impaired hearing
• Impaired formation and function of blood cells
The level of blood in a child’s blood must be less than 5 micrograms per deciliter to save them from the above-mentioned problems.
Lower IQ and hyperactivity, slow growth, hearing problems, and anemia are some more problems that can be initiated by the exposure of lead in children.
The second most affected group is that of pregnant women. The maternal calcium that is released during pregnancy can also release lead which may have been accumulated in bones along with calcium. If the diet of the woman lacks Calcium, it is an even greater risk. Such situations can reduce the growth of the fetus and result in premature birth.
For adults, lead is harmful in the following ways:
• Cardiovascular effects
• It can increase blood pressure and hypertension
• It can lower down the functions of the kidney
• Can cause reproductive problems.
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