Flint raises water safety concerns
DEAR DOCTOR: Ever since the news about lead in the drinking water in Flint, Mich., I’ve wondered about our water. Should I be worried?
DEAR READER: Lead is a highly toxic metal that has a detrimental effect on virtually every system in the human body. Children, with their developing brains and nervous systems, are particularly vulnerable. The amount of lead that an adult can tolerate with minimum ill effect can cause significant damage to a child.
Lead causes anemia, hypertension and damages the kidneys and reproductive system. Even low blood levels of lead affect the development of the brain and nervous system. In children, it can result in lower IQ , hearing problems and behavioral changes like reduced attention span. The neurological damage caused by lead is believed to be irreversible.
Although the health crisis in Flint has put the spotlight on lead in water, the presence of lead-based paint in older homes poses the most common risk.
In 1986, the Safe Drinking Water Act significantly reduced the amount of lead permitted for use in plumbing fixtures, including pipes and solder. However, it wasn’t until 2014 that the most stringent regulations regarding the use of lead in water delivery systems went into effect.
Federal law requires regular testing for contaminants by your water supplier. The results are published in a document called the Consumer Confidence Report. Ask for a copy. Should you wish to test your own water, the Environmental Protection Agency has a list of certified labs on its website (www.epa.gov). Most home improvement stores also sell water-testing kits.
If you believe your water supply is contaminated with lead, the EPA suggests the following:
› Flush your pipes for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking or cooking.
› Use only cold water for drinking or cooking. Hot water may contain higher levels of lead.
› According to the EPA, it is safe to bathe or shower in water that contains lead, as it is not absorbed through the skin.
› Consider installing a water filtration device that is certified to remove lead.
Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and assistant professor of medicine at UCLA Health.