The Malden Water Department has reported lead in the water of Malden residents. Around every six months, the Malden Water department tests water for any lead levels.When testing for lead in December of 2016, two of the sites tested did find higher levels of lead.
Lead is very dangerous to pregnant women and younger children, but it is also dangerous for people of any age. Once lead enters your body, your body mistakes it for a safe mineral, in actuality it does more harm than good. Although lead is vulnerable towards anyone, younger children and unborn babies have a higher risk for health problems. Lead can act like a poison if it is swallowed, inhaled, or even touched by children. Being exposed to lead over a long period of time leads to chronic toxicity. It can also interfere with blood cells and calcium that is needed for the body to grow and stay healthy.
On February 1, 2017 the City of Malden Water Department sent a letter to residents, regarding the potential for elevated lead levels in drinking water. The letter was sent after testing was conducted at 15 sites around the city in December. In the letter, The Water Department said that roughly 25% of all pipes delivering water to properties in Malden are made with lead. The letter also states the health effects and sources of lead in water, how to reduce lead exposure, and more. It says, “We are writing to you because our records indicate that you may have a lead water service line pipe on your property that carries water from the public water line into your home. Because lead at certain concentrations is believed to adversely affect health, especially in young children, you may want to consider replacing this pipe.”
Overall, Malden’s plan for lead removal in water has been aggressive. Malden is under a Department of Environmental Protection Consent Order which requires that the city replace 200 lead water service lines per year.
Aside from the lead found in the homes of Malden, there have been many reports of lead in school water as well. According to the Boston Globe, the state-initiated testing, which includes 940 schools, is scheduled to conclude at the end of the month. Recent reports from the department of energy and environmental affairs have concluded that lead levels are over the recommended amount.
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