The Potential of Lead in your Plumbing System

Homeowners in Maplewood, North Saint Paul Stillwater and Oakdale  MN. Should be aware of their homes plumbing systems and their potential for lead exposure.

Lead pipes and lead solder were the standard back in the day. But we all know that exposure to excessive lead particles can lead to many debilitating diseases. According to information supplied by the Mayo Clinic Lead poisoning can severely affect mental and physical development in children. 

Adults that work with or have exposure risks to lead also have health issues they should be concerned about. These may include but not be limited to, Anemia, Fatigue / Irritability, Peripheral neuropathy, Seizures, Hypertension and many more potential issues.

Lead may have it’s place in industrial productions batteries etc. but when it comes to your drinking and bathing water it may be soon realized that no amount of lead exposure is safe.

Some sources of lead that we have researched may surprise you. We have all heard that lead paint as it chipped and fell on the floor may have been a source of poisoning. But in further looking into the subject we found that Lead in older bathtubs is a big issue—and yet usually overlooked as a potential source of toxicity for children. 

Both porcelain and enamel coatings can have extremely high levels of lead. 75% of pre-1978 bathtubs have lead in their glaze and that about 40% of these tubs will have measurable levels of lead dust when dust samples are collected from the surface of the glaze. 

Now imagine your toddler in a tub with a lead base. They splash and play and put toys in their mouths and washrags in their mouths. Those items are basically soaking in a lead broth. There are many studies on this topic that can be researched. 

There are a few more places lead can leach into a home or business water supply; pipes, solders fittings etc.

Fortunately this issue has been known for years and these hazardous materials have been phased out of the building process. Lead plumbing pipes solder and fittings have been replaced with low voc (volatile organic compound) pvc, copper and other materials to keep your water supply safe. 

If you have an older home built before the mid 1960’s and you are concerned about potential lead issues you can contact a professional licensed plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing. They can determine the materials that are responsible for delivering fresh water into your home or business. Once this is determined they can give you an idea of what it may cost to replace or repair any plumbing issues you may have.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing                                                                                                                          St. Paul, Mn. and Surrounding areas

Plumbing Contractors                                                                                                         651-429-8908                                                                                          www.paulvadnaisplumbing.com

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Water Filters, Hot Water Heaters, Plumbing Leaks, Sinks, Faucets, Toilets, Bathtubs