Is Lead Contaminating
Our Children's Drinking Water?
Our Children's Drinking Water?
What is lead?
The National Institutes of Health describes lead as "...a highly toxic metal found in small amounts in the earth’s crust. Because of its abundance, low cost, and physical properties, lead and lead compounds have been used in a wide variety of products... Since 1980, federal and state regulatory standards have helped to minimize or eliminate the amount of lead in consumer products and occupational settings. Today, the most common sources of lead exposure in the United States are lead-based paint in older homes, contaminated soil, household dust, drinking water..."
What effects does lead have on the health of children?
There are many effects and symptoms from lead poisoning, and can range from acute to chronic. Children and more at risk because of their developing bodies and organs. Some complications and symptoms include:
Lead does not naturally occur in water. It can leach into drinking water from pipes used to deliver the water to the home or building.
The only way to know whether your tap water contains lead is to have it tested. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water.
Has my child's school been tested?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Unless a school is regulated as a public water system, testing for lead and copper within the school is not specifically required. Therefore, many schools served by water systems owned by cities, towns, or other entities may have never been tested for lead under the LCR. Therefore, EPA strongly recommends that schools test drinking water in their facilities for lead.
Where can I get more information?
The Duluth office of the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources:
Phone: (218)-723-4752
Address: 394 South Lake Av. Room 403
Duluth Public Schools
Contact your child's school and ask for information on their water testing history.
Visit the EPA's website for both general and local information.
What effects does lead have on the health of children?
There are many effects and symptoms from lead poisoning, and can range from acute to chronic. Children and more at risk because of their developing bodies and organs. Some complications and symptoms include:
- Anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Kidney failure
- Learning disabilities
- Loss of short-term memory and ability to concentrate
Lead does not naturally occur in water. It can leach into drinking water from pipes used to deliver the water to the home or building.
The only way to know whether your tap water contains lead is to have it tested. You cannot see, taste, or smell lead in drinking water.
Has my child's school been tested?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Unless a school is regulated as a public water system, testing for lead and copper within the school is not specifically required. Therefore, many schools served by water systems owned by cities, towns, or other entities may have never been tested for lead under the LCR. Therefore, EPA strongly recommends that schools test drinking water in their facilities for lead.
Where can I get more information?
The Duluth office of the MN Board of Water and Soil Resources:
Phone: (218)-723-4752
Address: 394 South Lake Av. Room 403
Duluth Public Schools
Contact your child's school and ask for information on their water testing history.
Visit the EPA's website for both general and local information.
Brought to you by Sierra Wilson-Beckman
Great fact sheet. Very easy to read and well laid out. Nice Job!
ReplyDeleteYou would that that after a couple hundred years of people dying from lead poisoning, and related disorders we would be smart enough to keep it out of our water. Hopefully we can clean up the water we give to our children.
ReplyDelete