Exposure to lead? It's a hot water problem

Feb 13, 2008
fact or fiction
Exposure to lead? It's a hot water problem
THE CLAIM: Never drink hot water from the tap. THE FACTS: The claim has the ring of a myth. But environmental scientists say it is real. The reason is that hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold water, and many pipes in homes contain lead that can dissolve and pass into water. And lead can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children. Lead is rarely found in source water, but can enter it through corroded plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that older homes in the United States are more likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised as 'lead-free' can still contain as much as 8 per cent lead. A study published in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented 14 to 20 per cent of total lead exposure. Scientists emphasise that the risk is small. But to minimise it, the EPA says cold tap water should always be used for preparing baby formula, cooking and drinking. It also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can actually increase its concentration. For more information, go to www.epa.gov/lead. THE BOTTOM LINE : Hot water from the tap should never be used for cooking or drinking. - THE NEW YORK TIMES