Current News

 

The Claim: Never Drink Hot Water From the Tap

By ANAHAD O’CONNOR
Published: January 29, 2008

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/health/29real.html?em&ex=1201842000&en=ab43b4
a602dc318b&ei=5087%0A


The claim has the ring of a myth. But environmental scientists say it is real.

The reason is that hot water dissolves contaminants more quickly than cold
water, and many pipes in homes contain lead that can leach into water. And lead
can damage the brain and nervous system, especially in young children.

Lead is rarely found in source water, but can enter it through corroded
plumbing. The Environmental Protection Agency says that older homes are more
likely to have lead pipes and fixtures, but that even newer plumbing advertised
as “lead-free” can still contain as much as 8 percent lead. A study published
in The Journal of Environmental Health in 2002 found that tap water represented
14 to 20 percent of total lead exposure.

Scientists emphasize that the risk is small. But to minimize it, the E.P.A.
says cold tap water should always be used for preparing baby formula, cooking
and drinking. It also warns that boiling water does not remove lead but can
actually increase its concentration. More information is at www.epa.gov/lead or
(800) 424-5323 (LEAD).

THE BOTTOM LINE

Hot water from the tap should never be used for cooking or drinking.

scitimes@nytimes.com

 

 

 
The Power Hour:
Show-Schedule
(7-10am CST)
···Listen Live

Listen FREE thru Global Star Satellite Feed

 

 
 
 

 

   

 
         


All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner.
FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml

Copyright © 2007. The Power Hour. All rights reserved.