Suburban Laboratories is your one stop shop for drinking water testing. We have been servicing the greater Chicago land area since 1936. Over those 70 plus years, we can proudly say we know a thing or two about water testing. In the last 10 years, lead in water has been a rising issue across the country since homes built before 1986 had lead piping installed. 
What is Lead?
Lead is a toxic metal that was used for many years in products found in and around homes. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects including behavioral problems and learning disabilities. Children six years old and under are most at risk because this is when the brain is developing. The primary source of lead exposure for most children is lead-based paint in older homes. Lead in drinking water can add to that exposure. Lead is sometimes used in household plumbing materials or in water service lines used to bring water from the main to the home. A prohibition on lead in plumbing materials has been in effect since 1986. Click the link to check out a Lead Testing Kit today.
What are Lead’s Health Effects?
Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
How Does Lead get into my Drinking Water?
The major sources of lead in drinking water are corrosion of household plumbing systems; and erosion of natural deposits. Lead enters the water (“leaches”) through contact with the plumbing. Lead leaches into water through corrosion – a dissolving or wearing away of metal caused by a chemical reaction between water and your plumbing. Lead can leach into water from pipes, solder, fixtures and faucets (brass), and fittings. The amount of lead in your water also depends on the types and amounts of minerals in the water, how long the water stays in the pipes, the amount of wear in the pipes, the water’s acidity and its temperature.
Although the main sources of exposure to lead are ingesting paint chips and inhaling dust, EPA estimates that 10 to 20 percent of human exposure to lead may come from lead in drinking water. Infants who consume mostly mixed formula can receive 40 to 60 percent of their exposure to lead from drinking water. Think it is time to test your water for lead? Click the link to check out a Lead Testing Kit today.
What can you do?
If you want to take the next steps in making sure your home is lead free, check out our lead testing kit in the link provided. Also, feel free to contact Suburban Laboratories or send us a message on our Social Media Pages. Suburban Laboratories, protecting human health and the environment since 1936.