From the Guidelines
Yes, lead pipes in houses can cause lead poisoning, as lead can leach from old pipes into drinking water, especially in homes built before 1986 when lead pipes were commonly used. According to the study published in Pediatrics in 2016 1, plumbing, pipes, and faucets are a common source of lead exposure, as lead leaches into drinking water when the pipes are connected with lead solder. This is particularly concerning for children and pregnant women, as even low levels of lead can cause serious health problems, including damage to the brain, nervous system, kidneys, and red blood cells, leading to learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and reduced IQ in children 1.
Some key points to consider:
- Water is an important source of exposure for children, especially for infants who are formula fed, and can contribute to approximately 20% of a child’s blood lead concentrations if the water lead concentration exceeds 5 ppb 1.
- The risk of lead poisoning increases when water is acidic or when pipes are disturbed during construction 1.
- To reduce exposure, you can have your water tested for lead, use cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water dissolves lead more easily), let water run for 1-2 minutes before using it if it hasn't been used for several hours, and consider installing a water filter certified to remove lead 1.
- If you suspect lead pipes in your home, consult with a licensed plumber about replacement options, as proper maintenance and ultimately full replacement of water service lines will be necessary to eliminate lead intake from water 1.
It's essential to take proactive steps to minimize lead exposure, as no effective treatments can ameliorate the permanent developmental effects of lead toxicity 1. By understanding the risks and taking preventive measures, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful effects of lead poisoning.
From the Research
Lead Poisoning from Lead Pipes
- Lead pipes in houses can cause lead poisoning due to the leaching of lead into drinking water [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are not directly relevant to this specific question, but they do discuss lead poisoning and its treatment].
- However, there are no research papers provided that directly study the effect of lead pipes in houses on lead poisoning.
- The provided studies focus on the treatment of lead poisoning using various chelation therapies, such as succimer 2, 3, 4, 5 and edetate calcium disodium and dimercaptosuccinic acid 6.
- These studies do not investigate the source of lead exposure, including lead pipes in houses, but rather the treatment options for individuals already exposed to lead.
Treatment of Lead Poisoning
- The provided studies discuss the efficacy of various chelation therapies in reducing blood lead levels and treating lead poisoning 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- For example, succimer has been shown to be effective in reducing blood lead levels in children 4, 5 and adults 3.
- Edetate calcium disodium and dimercaptosuccinic acid have also been compared as treatments for lead poisoning in adults, with both showing significant reductions in blood lead levels 6.
Sources of Lead Exposure
- While the provided studies do not directly address lead pipes in houses as a source of lead exposure, it is known that lead pipes can leach lead into drinking water, particularly in older homes [no relevant reference provided].
- Other sources of lead exposure include lead-based paint, contaminated soil, and certain types of industrial or consumer products [no relevant reference provided].