The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that lead poisoning is responsible for approximately 1 million deaths around the world annually, while estimates from the US National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) reveal that between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, 186 million Americans - a substantial 56 percent of the nation's population - drank from supplies that showed excessive levels of the harmful substance.
Although it is a naturally occurring metal, lead is toxic to humans — with medical and public health experts warning that there are no safe levels of the substance in the body.
In this article, we’ll discuss the importance of a quality filter for lead in water, the types available, and where to get one.
Do I need a lead filter for water?
Yes. Lead water filtration is an effective way to reduce your exposure. It can enter your home supplies from corroded pipes, fixtures, and solders. Filters are designed to eliminate impurities and make your drink pure and great tasting.
Filters come in different sizes and styles, so you can find an option that matches your requirements. Purification systems such as KDF water filters can also reduce other contaminants, such as chlorine and other metals.
If you are unsure whether you need a filter, it is best to contact a certified specialist to assess the quality of your drink and determine the best solution for your home or business.
What kind of water filter removes lead?
Some of the best lead water filtration systems on the market to help purify your drinking water are:
- Reverse osmosis. This lead removal process forces liquid through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes dissolved solids and contaminants. Using RO, you can eliminate 99.1 percent of the substance, resulting in pure and great-tasting drinks.
- Activated carbon filtration. This water filtration method uses activated carbon to soak and trap particles, preventing them from entering your drinking water. The filtered liquid will then be safe for use.
- Distillation. This filtration system involves a chemical reaction in which a substance separates into two or more components (distinct phases), and they are collected at different temperatures. It works by heating the liquid, making contaminants evaporate and be removed, leaving clean drinking water. It is one of the oldest water filter techniques for extracting contaminants from liquid or killing off organisms living in it.
- Ion exchange. This lead water treatment system uses either an exchange resin or a resin-coated filter media to remove contaminants. A resin is an absorbent material that attracts and holds in solution ions (positively charged atoms) such as sodium or chloride ions. When the resin becomes saturated with these ions, it can be regenerated by adding more resin or changing the pH of the solution to reduce its ionic level.
By installing a lead water filter, you can help ensure that your drink is free of substances that pollute drinking water, such as bacteria, chlorine, and fluoride.
What are the symptoms of lead in drinking water?
Ingesting lead in drinking water can be incredibly dangerous, as it accumulates in the body and can cause a range of health issues, including developmental issues, a heightened cancer risk, damage to the nervous system, reproductive system, and other organs, as well as high blood pressure and anemia.
Common physical symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, joint and muscle pain, and fatigue. Mental health symptoms can include difficulty concentrating, memory loss, irritability, and depression. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, coma, and even death.
You should install a good quality filter system from a trusted dealer if you suspect your home supply contains impurities in order to ensure your family’s health and safety.
