Cinnaminson, NJ, October 3
rd , 2019
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent a letter to the mayor of Newark and the commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection this past August to address concerns over elevated levels of lead in portions of Newark's drinking water system.
In the letter, water tests from several residences that had previously received filtration devices were discussed due to results showing some filtered drinking water samples again had lead levels exceeding 15 parts per billion, the applicable federal and state drinking water standard. To address these latest findings, the agency wrote the following:
EPA therefore believes it is essential for the City of Newark to advise residents with known or suspected lead service lines that until further notice they should not rely on the efficacy of the filtration devices that the city previously provided. Residents should be advised, instead, to use bottled water for drinking and cooking, until we can be assured of the reliable efficacy of filtration devices.
While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter the water supply as it comes in contact with plumbing materials that contain it. In most circumstances, lead enters tap water through the corrosion of these plumbing materials, especially when hot water is involved. These materials may include lead service lines and other lead pipes, solder, and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures.
“While exposure to lead is dangerous to everyone, this is especially true for children,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “No safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to affect IQ, ability to pay attention and academic achievement reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, many cities and towns across North America have lead service lines and plumbing materials that contain lead that can leach into the drinking water in homes, schools and businesses.”
The scientists at EMSL Analytical, Inc. are dedicated to identifying lead and other water contaminants. Their laboratories in New Jersey and across North America analyze water samples for heavy metals, microbial contaminants, chemicals and other pollutants. They offer an easy-to-use Drinking Water Test Kit and have even sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.
To learn more about lead or other environmental, health and safety testing services, please visit
www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email
info@EMSL.com. To access the Drinking Water Test Kit, 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.