LEAD AND ARSENIC - tasteless and odorless

 

Lead is a metal that is found in small amounts on the earth’s surface and rarely occurs in water naturally.  Most sources of lead come from human activities such as mining, manufacturing and burning fossil fuels.  Lead can enter drinking water from service connections, brass fixtures, faucets, copper pipes and solder. 

 

Lead is very toxic and harmful to human health if ingested or inhaled.  It can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system and red blood cells.  Young children and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. 
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element in the environment that comes from dissolved minerals in weathered rocks and soils.  Other sources of arsenic contamination come from agricultural and industrial activities. 

 

Long term exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer, diabetes, vascular disease, hyperpigmentation, keratosis, birth defects, immunological and reproductive dysfunction.