President Joe Biden is setting a 10-year deadline for cities across the US to replace their lead pipes that can ensure drinking water is safe for all Americans. It highlights an issue, safe drinking water, that Kamala Harris has prioritized as Vice President and during her presidential campaign.

According to an AP report, EPA Administrator Michael Regan told reporters on Monday that Biden and Harris believe it is “a moral imperative” to ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water. “We know that more than 9 million legacy lead pipes continue to deliver water to homes across our country. But the science has been clear for decades: There is no safe level of lead in our drinking water.”

Lead is a heavy metal used in pipes, paint, ammunition, and many other products. It is a neurotoxin that can cause a variety of disorders, from behavioral problems to brain damage. Lead lowers IQ scores in children, stunts their growth and increases blood pressure in adults.

Lead pipes can corrode and contaminate drinking water and therefore, removing them can help reduce serious health effects.

lead poisoning This happens when the amount of lead in the body increases. This usually happens over several months or years. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems. The Mayo Clinic says children younger than 6 are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can seriously affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. “There is a cure for lead poisoning, but taking some simple precautions can help protect you and your family from lead exposure before harm occurs.”

Complications of lead poisoning

Here, take a look at the complications of lead poisoning.

neurological damage

Lead poisoning can seriously affect the brain and nervous system, causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, and learning disabilities, especially in children. It can also cause behavioral problems, decreased IQ, and developmental delays.

kidney failure

Lead exposure impairs the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood. Chronic exposure to lead increases the risk of kidney disease, especially in adults.

heart problems

Lead contributes to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This affects blood vessel function, leading to high blood pressure and long-term heart problems.

reproductive health

Lead poisoning can cause reproductive problems in both men and women. In pregnant women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Lead also crosses the placenta, affecting fetal development.

Anaemia

Lead inhibits the production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. This can result in anemia, which can lead to fatigue, weakness, and other health problems.

impaired development in children

Lead can hinder the growth and development of bones and muscles in children, causing stunted growth and delayed physical development.

suppresses the immune system

Long-term exposure to lead weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection.

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