Ok, Dad, resident water expert, this one's for you. I just read in the New York Times that one should never use hot water from the tap for cooking or drinking.
Sound like a myth?
Environmental scientists say 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).
Dad, what do you think?
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5 comments:
Well I hope this is not true because I use hot water from the tap to cook all the time. We will have to see what the expert says, NO Chris not you!!
Jen- every morning the Marketing Dir. stops by to check what news you have in your blog- you are our walking newpaper - smiling.... because he didn't know Norwegians were so smart ,, he used to be my boss, so he knows it runs in the family!! Today tho he told me his Marketing Research Analyst is leaving.. so sad because Matt is a nice young man, and if you wanted to get really close to home. :) I took that as a compliment - we are nice and Smart!!!!!
Marilyn - that would be a fun job, I'm sure!
Our resident water expert "snoozed" in his recliner all evening but I will get him on the computer this weekend so he can learn to comment.
Mom
Public water supplies add chemicals to the water to coat water pipes so leaching of lead is minimized. Hot water can decrease protection, but lead concerns are minimal except perhaps in old plumbing installations or places with lead service lines.
Its not something to be overly concerned about.
Dad
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