LEAD IN WATER

Test Kit

WHAT IS LEAD AND HOW DID IT GET INTO YOUR WATER?

It is estimated that more than 3 million children in the United States have lead poisoning. Lead is a toxic metal that has been used in the past by manufacturers to make faucets, fixtures and copper pipe solder. Even “lead free“ plumbing may contain up to 8% lead.  Although lead was banned in 1986 in the manufacture of all fixtures, pipes and solder, it is estimated to still be in the pipes of over 90% of all homes in the U.S. Lead is dissolved into your drinking water from pipes, solder and fixtures in your home’s water system and water service lines. When water stands in pipes, fixtures and water systems containing lead for several hours it dissolves into your drinking water. This is true especially if you have acidic water (low pH). This means that the first water drawn from the faucet in the morning can contain high levels of lead. Since lead is colorless and tasteless when dissolved, you must test to detect lead in your water.

WHAT CAN LEAD IN WATER DO TO YOU?

Lead in water can cause a variety of diverse health effects, including mental and physical developmental problems in young children. When ingested, even in small amounts, lead can cause permanent damage to the brain, kidneys, and hearing, especially in children under 7 years old. Lead poisoning is not only a problem in children. In adults, lead in water can cause increased blood pressure, headaches, mood changes, sleep disturbances, a decrease in fertility (men), digestive problems, nerve disorders and joint and muscle pain. Drinking high levels of lead can cause mental retardation, blindness, comas, and even death. Drinking water contaminated with lead can also cause problems in pregnancy and affect a baby’s normal development.

HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF YOU HAVE A LEAD IN WATER PROBLEM?

You must test to find out if lead in water is a problem in your home or office. The PRO-LAB® Lead in Water Test Kit is an EPA approved laboratory test that will accurately and reliably test your water for lead contamination to 1 ppb (parts per billion), providing a professional lab report within seven business days of our receipt of your test sample.

The PRO-LAB® LEAD IN WATER TEST KIT should be used as your first step in identifying lead in your water that could be harmful to your health and your home. If you would like to have a professional water inspection, go to www.inspectorseek.com and an INTERNACHI home inspector can identify the source of a potential lead problem in your home or office water supply.

If you cannot find the PRO-LAB® Lead In Water Test Kit in any of the stores above, please call 954-384-4446 to purchase or click here to order online.