Today, Explained Get the lead out
Dec 7, 2023
David Sedlak, a water infrastructure expert from UC Berkeley, and Karen Baehler, a scholar focused on environmental justice at American University, dive into the Biden administration's ambitious plan to eliminate lead pipes nationwide. They discuss the critical health risks of lead exposure, especially for children, and the historical use of lead in plumbing. The podcast also highlights Newark's successful model for lead line replacement and the challenges unique to different communities, stressing the urgent need for access to safe drinking water for all.
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Lead's Neurotoxicity
- Lead acts as a neurotoxin, impacting brain development, especially in children.
- Low-level lead exposure can cause reduced IQ and behavioral problems throughout life.
Roman Water Systems
- Romans pioneered early water systems using lead pipes due to its malleability and pressure resistance.
- The word "plumber" comes from "plumbum," the Latin word for lead.
Lead's Persistence in US Infrastructure
- Lead persisted in US water infrastructure due to its flexibility and malleability for service lines.
- Cheaper alternatives like copper became available later, but lead remains in older cities, especially in the Northeast and Midwest.