When high concentrations of lead are detected in drinking water, they typically originate from lead pipes or from bronze and brass plumbing fittings that contain lead, but now a new study has revealed that galvanized steel pipes coated with a zinc coating that contains lead can also be a significant source of lead contamination in drinking water over the long-term. The study, which was recently published online in the scientific journal Environmental Engineering Science, notes that when copper pipes are fitted upstream from galvanized steel piping, lead release from zinc coating on galvanized pipes downstream can be exacerbated.

Note: The Berkey water filter equipped with the black berkeys that come standard with all Berkey systems will remove 99.9%+ of lead from the water.

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The researchers analyzed drinking water samples taken from homes fitted with galvanized steel water pipes at various cities across the US. Some of the water samples had lead concentrations higher than 100 micrograms per liter. When the scientists ran simulated lab tests, lead concentrations in water flowing through galvanized steel piping was as high as 172 micrograms per liter -- over 10 times as high as the action level determined by the EPA.

Health Risks Associated with Lead Contamination

Lead is highly toxic to humans and animals. When it enters the body it can cause lead poisoning, and in high doses it can cause convulsions, coma, and can be fatal. It is dangerous at even low concentrations as it accumulates in the body tissue causing long-term damage to health. Lead can enter the body through ingestion of lead particles or dissolved lead in drinking water. Children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning, and can suffer the following effects even when exposed to low levels of lead:

• Damage to nervous system and brain
• Learning disabilities, attention deficits, and behavioral problems
• Slow physical and mental development
• Impaired vision and motor coordination
• Poor hearing
• Headaches

While adults are not as susceptible to lead poisoning at low level exposure to lead, exposure to higher concentrations, or long-term exposure to lead over an extended period, can pose the following health risks to adults:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems
• Neurological problems
• Disprupts reproductive system – can decrease fertility in both men and women
• Ccan cause problems with developing fetus during pregnancy leading to slow development, birth defects, or still births
• Disrupts digestive system
• Difficulty concentrating, memory loss
• Painful muscles and joints

According to Environmental Engineering Science's Editor-in-Chief, Domenico Grasso:

"The Edwards' laboratory is well known for uncovering risks associated with concentrations of lead in urban water supplies. This latest important paper from this research group has identified galvanized pipes as a potentially significant source of lead."

Removing Lead from Drinking Water

The good news is that a Berkey Water Filter fitted with the standard Black Berkey filters can remove lead (as well as other heavy metals) by as much as 99.9%, and can also remove other common drinking water contaminants, such as VOCs, chemicals, bacteria and viruses from your drinking water. Water filtered through a Berkey Filter is rendered safe to drink, protecting your family from potentially hazardous substances that may be present in your drinking water.

Journal Reference Clark Brandi N., Masters Sheldon Vaughn, and Edwards Marc A. Lead Release to Drinking Water form Galvanized Steel Pipe Coatings. Environmental Engineering Science. Ahead of print. doi:10.1089/ees.2015.0073.