In America, nearly 60 million people may be drinking from pipes containing toxic metals. In Jackson, Mississippi, the mayor has issued more than 300 “boil water notices” in the last 2 years. Repeated warnings caused fear and frustration among city residents, and many feel as though they cannot even trust their own water.
Previously, the engineering breakthrough of pipes proved to have major benefits. People could easily access water from within their homes, which eliminated the spread of waterborne diseases. Lead was chosen for the material; it was cheap, durable, and reliable. However, it had come to scientists’ attention that the lead could poison the public, leading to miscarriages and death. According to the CDC, lead pipes were banned, however pipes that were already installed containing lead were not required to be replaced. The CDC also warns the public of cognitive issues that stem from lead poisoning. Despite this, many cities across the United States still contain aging lead pipe systems that potentially expose millions of people to the dangers of lead. Since replacing preexisting pipes is expensive, many local governments opt to delay repairs.
Families affected by the lead pipe infrastructure have stated that they only trust bottled water. One family in Illinois, the state with the second most amount of lead pipes, have been cooking and drinking with bottled water for the past 30 years.
The effects of lead poisoning are severe, and often accumulate over time. The Mayo Clinic describes lead poisoning as the result of lead accumulating in the body. Oftentimes, the poisoning is difficult to detect, since lead is considered odorless and colorless. In children under the age of 6, symptoms include fluctuated development, cognitive dysfunction, and seizures. In infants, lead poisoning could force premature birth, slowed growth, and even weight loss. Adults could suffer high blood pressure, struggle with concentration, and birth complications such as miscarriages and stillbirths. Since symptoms are not immediate, many people do not realize their danger until serious health problems arise. The delay makes detecting lead poisoning difficult, especially in children, since they are the most susceptible to the dangers of lead exposure.
Unfortunately, lead can be found everywhere, including outside of water pipes. The Mayo Clinic suggests that lead does not decay easily. Particles of lead can be found in old houses, makeup, toys, and even pottery. Preventative approaches are encouraged, such as hand washing, cleaning and running cold water. Until the lead issue is properly addressed by councils, people should be cautious of any potential lead exposure.
