Topekans are leadheads

Exposure to lead through drinking water, even at low levels, is harmful and can cause significant health issues across all age groups, with particular danger to pregnant women and young children [1, 2]. There is no known safe level of lead in the body [1]. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  

General Health Effects 

Lead is a toxic metal that accumulates in the body over time [1]. Health effects can include: 

• Cardiovascular problems: Increased blood pressure and hypertension [1, 2]. 

• Renal issues: Decreased kidney function [1, 2]. 

• Reproductive problems: Adverse reproductive outcomes in both men and women [1, 2]. 

• Neurological effects: Nerve disorders and general cognitive decline [1, 2]. [9, 10, 11, 12, 13]  

Effects on Children 

Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead than adults do, and their brains and nervous systems are still developing [1, 2]. Health effects in children can include: 

• Cognitive and behavioral problems: Lowered IQ, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues like hyperactivity [1, 2]. 

• Physical development issues: Slowed growth and hearing problems [1, 2]. 

• Other problems: Anemia, and in severe cases, damage to the brain and kidneys [1, 2]. [19, 20, 21, 22, 23]  

Effects on Pregnant Women 

Lead exposure during pregnancy poses risks to both the mother and the developing fetus [1, 2]. It can lead to: 

• Reduced fetal growth [2]. 

• Premature birth [2]. 

• Damage to the fetus's developing brain and nervous system [1]. [25, 26, 27, 28, 29]  

What to Do 

If you suspect lead pipes in your home, several actions are recommended to protect your health: 

• Test your water: Contact your local water utility or the state health department for information on how to test your water for lead [1]. 

• Use certified filters: Consider using a water filter certified to remove lead. Ensure the filter is certified by an organization like NSF International 

 [1]. 

• Use cold water for consumption: Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and making baby formula, as hot water dissolves lead more quickly than cold water [1, 2]. 

• Let water run: Before using water for consumption, especially if it hasn't been used in several hours, let it run for a minute or two to flush out any lead that may have accumulated in the pipes [1, 2]. 

• Replace pipes: The most permanent solution is to replace lead service lines and plumbing. Your local water utility can provide information and potentially assist with programs to help with the replacement process [1]. [30, 31, 32, 33, 34]  

For more information, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website 

 and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website 

 offer comprehensive resources. 

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.nrdc.org/stories/causes-and-effects-lead-water

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/drinking-water.html

[3] https://doulton.com/blogs/news/the-impact-of-lead-in-drinking-water

[4] https://www.tropicalcoastplumbing.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-drink-water-from-old-galvanized-pipes

[5] https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/service-line-survey-creates-lead-exposure-concerns-for-liberty-utilities-users,540169

[6] https://drinkflowater.com/health-effects-of-lead-in-drinking-water/

[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211715624006726

[8] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsestwater.3c00519

[9] https://nuaquasystems.com/blogs/water-education/lead-in-drinking-water-and-how-to-effectively-remove-it

[10] https://doulton.in/health-wellness/replacing-lead-water-pipes-to-enjoy-benefits/

[11] https://vitoservices.com/lead-pipes-in-homes-washington-dc/

[12] https://www.helixsolutions.net.au/news-and-resources/article/what-diseases-can-be-found-in-dirty-water

[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0946672X10000039

[14] https://aquatiere.co.uk/how-to-deal-with-lead-in-drinking-water/

[15] https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/article/worried-about-lead-in-your-water-here-are-some-steps-you-can-take/

[16] https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/risk-factors/children.html

[17] https://www.utc.edu/sites/default/files/2020-12/ile_souvannasing_lead_factsheet.pdf

[18] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/how-a-doctor-discovered-us-walls-were-poisonous

[19] https://nchh.org/information-and-evidence/learn-about-healthy-housing/health-hazards-prevention-and-solutions/lead/

[20] https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA698747820&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=25158260&p=AONE&sw=w

[21] https://www.apha.org/publications/public-health-newswire/public-health-newswire/articles/2019/08/22/partnering-for-lead-service-line-replacement

[22] https://lydiadenworth.com/articles/poison-hid-home/

[23] https://drinkflowater.com/the-5-dangers-of-lead-in-school-drinking-water/

[24] https://www.tropicalcoastplumbing.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-drink-water-from-old-galvanized-pipes

[25] https://drinkflowater.com/health-effects-of-lead-in-drinking-water/

[26] https://atsinnovawatertreatment.com/blog/taste-and-odor-concerns-water/

[27] https://www.leadfreewausau.com/lead-exposure-information

[28] https://blogs.iu.edu/ecohealth/2020/12/14/from-pipes-to-chemicals-the-impact-of-modern-water-systems-on-human-health-and-the-environment/

[29] https://www.nrdc.org/stories/how-exactly-does-lead-exposure-harm-brain

[30] https://waterportal.ca/do-you-feel-mis-lead-by-your-water/

[31] https://www.mainsplumbers.co.nz/lead-pipes-detection

[32] https://www.myactivehealth.com/hwcontent/content/special/hw119507.html

[33] https://clearlyfiltered.com/articles/how-you-can-detect-levels-of-lead-in-drinking-water

[34] https://fcwsd.org/documents/728/Lead_in_Drinking_Water.pdf

[35] https://chej.org/healthy-water-healthy-kids

[36] https://www.clancymedicalgroup.com/what-is-raw-water/

[37] https://www.cityofglensfallsny.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8974/Galvanized-Service-Line-Requiring-Replacement-Letter-PDF

Henry McClure  
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