Public Health Consequences of Lead in Drinking Water
Public Health Consequences of Lead in Drinking Water
Publication Year:
2018
Authors:
Levallois, Patrick; Barn, Prabjit; Valcke, Mathieu; Gauvin, Denis; Kosatsky, Tom
Language:
English
Affiliated Orgs.:
Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Environmental Health Services BC Centre for Disease Control, National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health
Resource Type:
Journal Article
This paper reviews the current evidence on the role of drinking water as a source of lead exposure and its potential impacts on health, with an emphasis on children.
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Resource Information
Abstract
Lead can enter drinking water from lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing, particularly in the presence of corrosive water. We review the current evidence on the role of drinking water as a source of lead exposure and its potential impacts on health, with an emphasis on children. Drinking water guidelines and mitigation strategies are also presented.
Resource Type
Journal Article
Publication Year
2018
Author
Levallois, Patrick; Barn, Prabjit; Valcke, Mathieu; Gauvin, Denis; Kosatsky, Tom
Language
English
Organizational Affiliation
Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Environmental Health Services BC Centre for Disease Control, National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health
Specific Contaminants
Heavy Metals, Lead
University Affiliation
Université Laval, Université de Montréal
Business Connect Takeaways
The article discusses the potential health effects of exposure to lead, a toxic metal that can be found in soil, water, and other environmental sources. Exposure to lead can cause a range of health effects, including developmental delays, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular disease.
The authors review the current state of knowledge on the sources of lead exposure, including drinking water, food, and occupational exposure. The authors note that drinking water is a major source of lead exposure for some populations, particularly those who rely on private wells or live in older homes with lead pipes or plumbing fixtures.
The article highlights the importance of monitoring and regulating lead levels in drinking water to protect public health. The authors note that the current maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead in drinking water in the United States is 15 parts per billion (ppb), but some studies suggest that even lower levels of lead exposure may be associated with increased health risks. The authors call for continued research to better understand the health effects of lead exposure and to develop more effective strategies for reducing exposure.