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Get the Lead Out

Phasing out lead piping will reduce a multitude of health problems

The public health damage done by lead exposure is among the most documented of any toxic contaminant. Children are the most vulnerable, with common effects of lead poisoning being brain damage, learning disabilities, and physical and mental developmental disabilities. A good deal of work has been done in the past to replace old lead water pipes with new safer pipes. But current law still allows water fixtures and fittings—such as kitchen and bathroom faucets—to contain as much as 8 percent lead, far beyond levels that could result in lead in drinking water. Assembly Bill 1953 (Chan) would mandate that after January 2010, all faucets and plumbing fittings sold in California must be lead-free.

AB 1953 does not require any plumbing fixtures to be replaced before normal change-out is needed. But beginning in 2010, when water fixtures and fittings that are intended to convey drinking water are replaced, they must be replaced with “lead-free” fittings that contain no more than 0.25% lead. At least twenty-four manufacturers are currently making fixtures that meet the 0.25% standard. In addition, 9 major metropolitan utilities—serving more than 16 million customers—have adopted the same 0.25% standard. These utilities include New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other big cities across the country.

AB 1953 is supported not only by a long list of environmental and public health organizations, but by the California Metals Coalition, comprised of numerous California metalworking businesses, which declares that “a lower lead standard for metal products that is directly linked to human consumption of water at the tap is achievable.”

Unfortunately, much of the plumbing manufacturing industry, their allies at the Chamber of Commerce, and the California Building Industry Association are lobbying in opposition to AB 1953. It’s important for Governor Schwarzenegger to hear support from the public for AB 1953 to counteract this pressure.

Lead-free brass plumbing is widely manufactured and is being successfully installed by many utilities into their water delivery systems—it’s time we make it standard for the health of all Californians.

Update

Victory: The governor has signed AB 1953!