Lead exposure is especially harmful to children. Children’s low-level lead exposure is related to behavioral and learning problems, low IQ and hyperactivity, slow growth, hearing difficulties, and anemia. These effects are irreversible, which is why it is important to prevent contact. Drinking water is an important source of lead exposure […]
Africa: Lead found in drinking water
In Sub-Sharan Africa, it is estimated that 184 million people use boreholes with handpumps to access water and 112 million people use rural piped supplies. Scientists warn that drinking water supplies in parts of rural West Africa are being contaminated by lead-containing materials used in small community water systems, such […]
Millions of Americans still get their drinking water from lead pipes
Why a century-old problem seems so hard to fix Over a century has passed since the dangers of consuming lead became widely known. Ingesting even small quantities damages young brains and may raise the risk of heart problems. Yet residents of Chicago—and many other cities—still mostly swig from taps fed by […]