Lead Testing Laboratory

Cinnaminson, NJ,  April 18^th , 2019

In February, Sandy Public Utilities posted a Notice of Recent Drinking Water Quality Event. The utility from the Salt Lake City area reported that a fluoride chemical feed system malfunctioned, causing an excessive amount of it to be added to drinking water at one location. The utility responded by flushing the drinking water lines.

The agency reported to residents, “While the malfunction has been corrected and fluoride levels at the affected areas are again within the range required by Salt Lake County Health Regulation, it is important that potentially affected residences flush their home’s water system to ensure the over-fluoridated corrosive water is removed.” The potential for corrosive water in plumbing lines can also cause other concerns. The Deseret News has reported that some residents were advised to flush their taps for 30 minutes due to water tests that discovered elevated levels of lead and copper.

Lead is rarely found in source water. When it is detected at elevated levels in drinking water it is typically due to the toxic heavy metal leaching from plumbing materials from the affected building or from the water service line used to bring water from the main into the structure. Even at low levels, lead may cause a range of health effects, including behavioral problems and learning disabilities, high blood pressure, kidney problems and other issues.

“Although absorbing small amounts of copper is essential for good health, exposure to high levels can be harmful,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Ingesting high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Very-high doses of copper can cause damage to the liver and kidneys according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry.”

People concerned about the quality of their drinking water can turn to EMSL Analytical, Inc. for answers. EMSL provides testing for lead, copper, fluoride and many other substances and potential water contaminants. They have even sponsored an educational video about environmental and occupational exposure concerns associated with copper that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/MCrlgy4N0us.

To learn more about copper, lead, fluoride and other water testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com. To access a Drinking Water Test Kit for lead and other contaminants, visit www.EMSLTestKits.com.


About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with over 46 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.