Does a high level of lead in tap water cause health effects?
High levels of lead in tap water can cause adverse health effects because the lead may enter the bloodstream and cause an elevated blood lead level. Most studies show that exposure to lead-contaminated water alone would not be likely to elevate blood lead levels in most adults, even with exposure to water with lead content close to the EPA “Action Level” of 15 ppb. Risk will vary depending upon the individual, the circumstances, and the amount of water consumed. For example, infants who drink formula prepared with lead contaminated water are considered to be at higher risk because of the large volume of water they consume relative to their body size. • Are some people more at risk than others from lead in drinking water? Yes. Children under the age of 6, pregnant women, and nursing mothers are considered to be most at risk. Children because of their smaller body size and pregnant and breast feeding mothers because of leads ability to pass through the placenta and through breast milk to
High levels of lead in tap water can cause adverse health effects because the lead may enter the bloodstream and cause an elevated blood lead level. Most studies show that exposure to lead-contaminated water alone would not be likely to elevate blood lead levels in most adults, even with exposure to water with lead content close to the EPA “Action Level” of 15 ppb. Risk will vary depending upon the individual, the circumstances, and the amount of water consumed. For example, infants who drink formula prepared with lead contaminated water are considered to be at higher risk because of the large volume of water they consume relative to their body size.
