Abstract |
A test pilot system was constructed to evaluate lead leaching from 12 different kitchen faucets. A storage tank, pressure pump, and manifold system was operated to simulate, as closely as possible, the use of the faucets in a household plumbing system. Leaching of lead from the faucets was determined for detention times ranging from 30 minutes up to 34 days using distilled water, a very aggressive water, and Cincinnati tap water, a nonaggressive water. Various sampling procedures were used to evaluate the impact of sample size and to determine the flushing volume needed to remove most of the lead from a faucet. The highest lead levels were found in the first 125 mL samples from the faucets made from cast brass and exposed to the aggressive distilled water. Subsequent samples had lower levels with background levels achieved after flushing with about 500 mL to liter of water. Lead levels are dependent on detention time, but the most significant increase occurs during the first few hours of water contact. |