Drinking Water Quality: Lead Particles on Tap
2008
Lead in School Drinking Water
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Renner
Primary Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hypothesis
Is lead exposure from drinking water a significant health risk for children?
Conclusion
Lead particles in school drinking water can reach dangerously high levels, posing serious health risks to children.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 10% of tested schools in Washington, DC had fountains with lead levels greater than 700 ppb.
- The most contaminated sample contained 20,000 ppb lead.
- Elevated blood lead levels in children have been traced back to lead particles in drinking water.
Takeaway
Some school drinking water has a lot of lead in it, which can be really bad for kids' health.
Methodology
Testing of drinking water in schools for lead levels.
Potential Biases
Assumptions about lead sources may underestimate the role of drinking water.
Limitations
Current testing methods may not adequately measure particulate lead.
Participant Demographics
Children in schools in Washington, DC, and North Carolina.
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