Lead exposure poses serious health risks for humans. This is why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) set permissible exposure limits (PEL) for airborne lead and why it was phased out of use in things like piping, paint, and gasoline.
Lead poisoning, identified in the 18th century, was one of the earliest identified occupational health concerns as it impacted workers during the Industrial Revolution. Its impacts have been well-documented and the acute impacts of ingesting this metal are well-known. Despite this, there are still instances of lead poisoning and exposure in the US today.
US Walls and How a Doctor Discovered They Were Poisoning the Public
Lead has been used by humans for over 6,000 years—in tools and added to gasoline (which now is labeled “unleaded”) and it was even once a popular sweetener for wines. Most Americans old enough to remember lead in daily usage will associate it with the dangers of lead paint and warnings to those with small children. Throughout history however, it was known that high levels of lead exposure were toxic for human health.
As history goes through, it was not until 1979 that a pediatrician named Herbert Needleman would expose the true dangers of lead exposure to the American public at large. While many physicians at the time recognized that elevated levels of lead exposure posed serious health risks, Needleman noticed a pattern of lower-income children repeatedly suffering health issues from moderate levels of lead exposure. As it turned out, the lead paint used in cheaper residences flaked and chipped into a fine, easily inhaled dust and in 1978, paint companies were ordered to stop using lead.
What are the Impacts of Lead Poisoning?
The impact of lead poisoning can be extreme. Needleman put forth the evidence that no amount of lead exposure (not just prominent levels) was safe. He documented that any level of exposure could lead to learning disabilities, metal health concerns and even anti-social behavior. Young children, pregnant women, and those who are exposed most frequently are most at-risk.
Lead exposure can have severe and lasting impacts, and it has been well-documented that children and their developing brains are much more susceptible to its impacts than adults. However, adults can still develop issues from lead exposure such as high blood pressure, impairment in cognitive function, kidney dysfunction, and even reproductive issues. For these reasons, it is important to protect yourself and your family from lead exposure.
Virginia and Lead Piping
As you can imagine, one of the ways that people can ingest lead and increase their exposure to the toxic metal is through their water supply. One of the hardest facts to wrap your head around in our modern world is that as of November 2023, there are more than 9.2 million American households that pipe water through lead pipes and service lines.
While lead piping was outlawed in Virginia by 1985, there are older homes that have never been brought up to modern standards and because of this, it is important for homeowners to assess their household water supply for lead contamination. In fact, the state of Virginia recently received $35 million in funding specifically to replace lead pipes (allocated by the Environmental Protection Agency).
Lead in Water Testing Services
Because of the extreme nature of the health concerns surrounding lead exposure, it is important to evaluate your water for lead. If lead is contaminating your water supply in any way, you and your family are at risk.
Fortunately, there are laboratories that are certified and accredited by the state of Virginia to perform water testing services. These professionals will collect samples of the water coming out of your pipes and test for the presence of lead.
Water Testing Services in the State of Virginia
Are you searching for a reputable water testing laboratory in Virginia? Joiner Micro Labs has specialized in water testing since 1996 and is certified in the state of Virginia. Our expert technicians can evaluate your water for lead and other contaminants. Having your water assessed for lead can provide peace of mind that your water is safe for your family to drink. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.