Lead can be present in drinking water as a result of dissolution from natural sources, or from household plumbing systems containing lead. These may include lead in pipes, or in solder used to seal joins. The amount of lead dissolved will depend on a number of factors including pH, water hardness and the standing time of the water.
Lead is the most common of the heavy metals and is mined widely throughout the world. It is used in the production of lead acid batteries, solder, alloys, cable sheathing, paint pigments, rust inhibitors, ammunition, glazes and plastic stabilisers.
The organo-lead compounds tetrmethyl and tetraethyl lead are used extensively as anti-knock and lubrication compounds in gasoline.
Adverse Health effects of Lead
Lead fulfils no essential function in the human body and can cause adverse health effects, such as:
- Behavioural disruptions in children, such as aggression, impulsive behaviour and hyperacticity;
- Brain damage;
- Disruption of the biosynthesis of haemoglobin and anaemia;
- Declined fertility of men through sperm damage;
- Diminished learning abilities of children;
- Loss of I.Q;
- Miscarriages;
- Kidney damage;
- Rise in blood pressure;
- Disruption of nervous systems.
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