Cinnaminson, NJ, September 10th, 2020
A research article about blood lead (Pb) levels in children from homes with private well water was published this summer in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers reported finding a 25% increased risk of elevated blood lead levels for children living in homes serviced by an unregulated private well as compared to children in homes with water supplied by a regulated utility.
According to the researchers, 13% of households in the United States get their water from unregulated private wells. While lead is rarely found in source water, it can enter tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, including brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures. These can leach significant amounts of lead into the water, especially with hot water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports, “Private wells more than 20 years old may contain lead in the "packer" element that is used to help seal the well above the well screen. Some brands of older submersible pumps used in wells may also contain leaded-brass components. Corrosion of pipes and fixture parts can cause the lead to get into tap water.”
“Since there are no federal testing requirements for unregulated private wells, it’s critically important that people in households that are dependent on them have their water tested,” said Joseph Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Otherwise they have no idea what they could be exposing their families to on a daily basis. The good news is testing for lead and other common contaminants is easy and affordable. At EMSL, we provide highly accurate testing services, all of the sampling supplies needed and we even offer an easy to use Drinking Water Test Kit that provides results within just a few days.”
EMSL has also sponsored an educational video about lead in drinking water that can be seen at: https://youtu.be/2kvtAcpw1MY.
To learn more about lead or other environmental testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675. For access to a Drinking Water Test Kit, visit www.WaterTestKitEMSL.com.
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with 45 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-LAP, LLC EMLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC IHLAP, AIHA-LAP, LLC 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.