In this issue, we explore the dangers of lead in drinking water and offer solutions to remove it from our homes and bodies.

Volume 2 Issue 1                              Download PDF

Hello Again.

We have just launched our first issue of Water 411 for 2008! This issue concentrates on lead in our water, its impact on the most vulnerable groups, the potential for a “Pandora’s Box” of new disinfectant by-products and what measures we can take to minimize our exposure.

Most people are aware that lead is a toxic heavy metal, but many do not realize that recent research has demonstrated that even slight exposure can be very injurious. Nowadays, Health Canada says that even small amounts of lead can be hazardous to human health. Exposure can be harmful, especially to infants, young children and pregnant women.

Lead was very much in the news during 2007. There seemed to be almost daily headlines warning about product recalls and drinking water alerts. International toy manufacturers, including high-profile names such as Mattel and Fisher-Price, were forced to recall many toys manufactured in China because these toys had been coated with paint containing lead.

Across Canada alarms were raised about high levels of lead found in water samples from Montreal Quebec, Charlottetown PEI, Prince Albert Saskatchewan, London Ontario and even the Ontario legislative building. During mandatory testing of drinking water in the US there were also high lead levels recorded.

Lead mainly enters the drinking water system by leaching from older lead water pipes, although some additional contamination could also leach from plumbing fixtures that contain lead.

So imagine the surprise when high lead levels were found in the water in some homes in areas of North America where there were no lead pipes in the system at all. The discovery that this new corrosiveness was caused by changes in disinfectant and anti-corrosion chemicals has many scientists worried about new contaminants being introduced into our water system.

Clearly, it is time to take action in our homes! Based on your feedback, this current issue provides solutions for eliminating lead and other heavy metals from our drinking water.

As always, we invite your comments on this blog or send us an email at info@water411.ca.
Sincerely,
Elena Valentino
Editor Water 411.

Lead poisoning

Health Canada – effects of lead on human health

How you are exposed to toxic chemicals

Lead in drinking water

Drinking water and old plumbing

Charlottetown to warn about lead in water

‘Safe’ lead levels damage children’s IQ: study

Chloramines linked to lead in drinking water

Corrosive water combined with treatments to reduce disinfection byproducts may be leading to high lead levels in Ontario’s drinking water.

Byproduct of water-disinfection process found to be highly toxic

Ontario proposal to amend drinking water regulation