Lead is a metal that can be found in all parts of our environment, including in the air, soil, and water. Most of our exposure to lead comes from drinking contaminated water and proximity to lead-based paint. 

Lead exposure can lead to long-term, severe health issues and behavioral problems. It is a potent neurotoxin that can impair children’s intellectual development.

Lead service lines are typically the most significant source of lead in the water. In 2016, the American Water Works Association estimated that 15 to 22 million Americans are drinking water from a system with lead-based pipes.

When pipes corrode or break down, lead from the pipes can leach into the water supply. A number of factors determine the concentration of lead that enters the water, including the amount of lead the water comes into contact with, how long the water stays in the pipes, and the condition of the pipes. 

Additional water treatment chemicals can be added to our water supplies to reduce further corrosion of pipes, but the approach is only partly successful. In the long run, the only solution that addresses the main source of lead contamination in drinking water is to remove lead-based pipes and plumbing fixtures and replace them with safer alternatives.

Lead accumulates in our bodies over time and can cause health problems in everyone. In adults, exposure can cause severe brain and kidney damage, increase blood pressure and hypertension, and lead to reproductive issues. 

While lead poisoning is dangerous for everyone, pregnant women and children are at the highest risk. During pregnancy, lead can cross the placental barrier and expose the fetus to lead. This can result in severe effects to both the mother and the fetus and lead to reduced growth of the fetus and premature birth. 

Children are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their nervous system is still developing. In addition, their bodies can absorb metals at a higher rate than the average adult. At low levels of exposure, lead can impair mental development and physical growth, as well as cause behavioral problems. High levels of lead exposure can result in anemia, muscle weakness, and brain damage.     

Several agencies have recognized lead as a substance that can possibly cause cancer in humans. The Department of Health and Human Services and the EPA has determined that lead can be reasonably classified as a human carcinogenic, while the International Agency for Research on Cancer clarified that inorganic lead is likely carcinogenic, but there is insufficient information to determine whether organic lead compounds are carcinogenic.

Now that we know the dangers of lead exposure, regardless of how small the amounts may be, how do you protect yourself from all the adverse health effects? Your best bet would be a premium water filter that is proven to reduce lead and provide clean, safe water. 

Every Clearly Filtered water filtration system can remove up to 99.3% of lead contamination in water using our proprietary advanced filtration technology. 

Clearly Filtered’s Affinity® Filtration Technology is a cutting-edge approach to clean water. The dual-technology approach targets hundreds of contaminants that standard water filters do not. Both the Water Pitcher with Affinity Filtration Technology and the Filtered Water Bottles can remove up to 99.3% of lead from water. Similarly, the 3-Stage Under the Sink Water Filter System and the Universal Inline Fridge Filter can remove up to 98.9% of lead. 

As we know, even trace amounts of lead can cause major damage to your health. Upgrade to Clearly Filtered and ensure the highest water quality to protect yourself and your loved ones.