Lead in Drinking Water Testing (Free in Portland)
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Lead, What's the problem?"Lead is a metal with no known biological benefit to humans. Too much lead can damage various systems of the body including the nervous and reproductive systems and the kidneys, and it can cause high blood pressure and anemia. Lead accumulates in the bones and lead poisoning may be diagnosed from a blue line around the gums. Lead is especially harmful to the developing brains of fetuses and young children and to pregnant women. Lead interferes with the metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D. High blood lead levels in children can cause consequences which may be irreversible including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental retardation. At very high levels, lead can cause convulsions, coma and death." - Word Health Organization
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Where does the lead come from?
Before the 1920's lead pipes and lead lined pipes were used to transport drinking water. Bad idea. Galvanized steel water piping replaced lead pipes in homes built before the 1960's but the zinc coating also contained lead that could leach into drinking water. Later, copper pipes were used instead of galvanized steel, but, the solder (prior to 1985) used to weld the joints together was made out of ~40% lead which also leached into drinking water.
Conclusion: If the house is older than 1985 there is likely lead leaching into the water from the pipes in your house. The only way to know the lead concentrations in your home is to have the water tested. Read More
Conclusion: If the house is older than 1985 there is likely lead leaching into the water from the pipes in your house. The only way to know the lead concentrations in your home is to have the water tested. Read More
Lead in Water test kit is for the following water districts:
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