Public Health Consequences of Lead in Drinking Water

Abstract

The impact of lead on neurodevelopmental effects in children even at low levels of exposure is well established. Population and toxicokinetic modeling studies have found a clear relationship between water lead levels and blood lead levels in children at low levels of lead in drinking water. Various mitigation strategies can lower lead levels in water. The importance of drinking water as a contributor to total lead exposure depends on water lead levels and the amount consumed, as well as the relative contribution of other sources. Efforts should be made to reduce lead exposure for all sources, including drinking water, considering that no threshold level of exposure exists for the neurodevelopmental effects of lead in children.

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“…Excess lead concentration in tap water indicated mostly corrosion of faucets or water utility pipes in distribution system. Levallois et al 14 supported the view that lead can be released into water from lead-containing service lines, leaded pipes, solders, and faucets in buildings. In spring water, it was due to environmental pollution such as automobiles and welding material.…”

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in the drinking water of muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

“…Excess lead concentration in tap water indicated mostly corrosion of faucets or water utility pipes in distribution system. Levallois et al 14…”

“…4,[10][11][12] and such substantial quantity may consequence in alarming adverse health effects ranging from shortness of breath to numerous types of cancers. 13,14 Copper, lead and zinc enter the water, usually through pipelines, 3,4,8,12,16,17 air pollution 18,19 and water stagnation in distribution system may cause significant rise in their levels. 13 Lead is a potent neurotoxin and its occurrence in drinking water is the cause of various adverse health issues in humans.…”

“…Acute poisoning of lead results in dis-functioning of kidneys, hypertension, brain, CNS, reproductive system, bones and blood enzyme changes. 6,14,20,21 Higher copper concentration is immunotoxic; may cause metabolic and gastrointestinal complications and disturbs the liver and brain specifically in patients of Wilson's disease. 3,14,20,22,23 Higher chromium concentration is carcinogenic as well as genotoxic.…”

“…6,14,20,21 Higher copper concentration is immunotoxic; may cause metabolic and gastrointestinal complications and disturbs the liver and brain specifically in patients of Wilson's disease. 3,14,20,22,23 Higher chromium concentration is carcinogenic as well as genotoxic. 9,[24][25][26] Elevated levels of iron is connected with increasing risks for cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses like arthritis, endocrine problems, diabetes and also liver disease.…”