Best Water Filter For Lead Removal

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Best Water Filter For Lead Removal

Dangers Of Lead Contamination

Why could you need to consider a water filter for lead removal for your home? There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. However, next to chlorine, it is the most common tap water contaminant. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 90% of all homes have household plumbing that passes some level of lead into tap water. If you live in a home that was built before 1986, get water directly from the pipe, chances are it’ll contain lead. Because lead cannot be detected by smell, taste or with the human eye you’ll need to get a test kit.

In Washington, some households have been tested for 440 parts per billion (ppb) of lead in their tap water, 25X the legal limit. Initial federal standards limited lead levels in water 50 ppb. However, new data on the significant health hazards of lead contamination has resulted in the limit lowered to 15 ppb. It is advised, especially with small children in the household, to reduce lead levels as much as possible. This is why a water filter for lead removal can be essential for some homes.

Symptoms and effects of lead poisoning

Lead poisoning is especially dangerous because there may be no unique signs to look for. Early symptoms to lead exposure include:

  • persistent fatigue
  • irritability
  • loss of appetite
  • stomach discomfort
  • reduced attention span
  • constipation

    In adults, lead poisoning can cause:

  • irritability
  • poor muscle coordination
  • nerve damage
  • increased blood pressure
  • hearing and vision impairment
  • reduced sperm count
  • retarded fetal development (even at low levels)

Best Water Filter For Lead Old Faucet

Lead poisoning in children

In children (especially 0-7 years of age), lead poisoning is especially dangerous. Children absorb an increased percentage of ingested lead in the gastrointestinal tract than adults. Because they are still in a stage of neurological and developmental growth, they are more vulnerable to the damage lead has on their nerves and nervous system. It is also common for children to be deficient in iron and calcium, which increases lead absorption in their bodies, especially bones and teeth.

Lead poisoning in children can cause:

  • brain damage
  • mental retardation
  • behavioral problems
  • anemia
  • liver and kidney damage
  • hearing loss
  • hyperactivity
  • stunted mental and physical development
  • in extreme cases, death

    Other major sources of lead exposure are:

  • ambient air
  • soil (children are prone to play in the dirt)
  • dust
  • food (contaminated by lead in air or container)

However, it is estimated 10-20% of lead absorption in young children comes from drinking water.


Testing for lead contamination Lead is not often thought about in our homes, but lead exposure poses very real and serious health effects. Test your home for lead and take children to the doctor to be tested at an early age. The current levels of concern in children is easily overlooked by society.

Best Water Filter For Lead Removal Solution

Treatment from a central point will not remove lead from your drinking water because most lead is picked up in the lead pipes, lead solder, and brass plumbing inside your home. A point-of-use filter (such as a counter-top or under sink water filter) is an easy and essential solution to prevent the health risks involved with lead contamination in your home. Another option is a faucet filter.

We have looked at the health risks, such as Does Reverse Osmosis Remove Chlorine? and also bacteria removal. Don’t take a gamble on your health. Test your water today, invest in a  water filter for lead removal system and drink clean, healthy water.

Wrapping Things Up

Lead contamination in drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women, as it can harm brain development and lead to long-term health issues. Investing in a water filter designed for lead removal ensures your family has access to safe, clean water free from this dangerous toxin. These filters, such as reverse osmosis or activated carbon systems, effectively reduce lead levels, providing peace of mind and safeguarding health. Clean water isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for a healthy lifestyle. This is why investing in a water filter for lead removal is an important consideration.

Lead contamination in drinking water poses significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women. For children, even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and attention-related disorders. These effects are often irreversible, making early prevention critical. Pregnant women exposed to lead may face risks of preterm labor, low birth weight, and potential neurological effects on the developing fetus

The primary sources of lead in drinking water include corroded lead pipes, solder, and plumbing fixtures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emphasizes that there is no safe level of lead exposure, urging regular water testing to ensure safety. Certified laboratories can analyze water samples to determine lead levels, and many states offer assistance programs for testing and replacing lead service lines.

To learn more, visit the EPA’s lead resource page and the CDC’s guidelines on lead exposure. These organizations provide valuable insights into mitigating lead risks and ensuring safe drinking water for all.