Health Risks of Lead Exposure

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Children, infants, and pregnant people are the most vulnerable, but anyone can be affected. According to MDHHS:

Children — Lower Levels

  • Lower IQ and academic performance
  • Hearing loss
  • Behavior and attention issues
  • Decreased kidney function

Children — Higher Levels

  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
  • Muscle weakness
  • Severe damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system

Adults — Lower Levels

  • Increased blood pressure
  • Reduced kidney function
  • Reduced cognitive function

Adults — Higher Levels

  • Anemia
  • Heart disease risk
  • Delayed conception
  • Poor sperm quality

If you are pregnant, lead can harm your developing baby.

For questions about other lead sources (paint, soil, dust, workplaces), contact Wayne County Health Department: 313-224-0810.

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Steps Residents Should Take to Reduce Lead Exposure

These steps come directly from MDHHS and the Lead & Copper Rule.

1. Run your water before using it

  • No lead service line: Run for 30 seconds to 2 minutes
  • Lead service line: Run for at least 5 minutes

2. Use a certified lead-reducing filter

MDHHS recommends filters certified to:

  • NSF/ANSI Standard 53 (lead reduction)
  • NSF/ANSI Standard 42 (Class I particulate reduction)

Use filtered water for:

  • Drinking
  • Cooking
  • Making baby formula
  • Preparing beverages

3. Use cold water for drinking and cooking

Hot water increases lead leaching.

4. Clean your faucet aerators

Particulate lead can accumulate in the screen. Clean every 6 months.

5. Test your water

Inkster provides free testing for homes with lead service lines.

Call 313-563-9774.

6. Consider bottled water

FDA’s standard for lead in bottled water is 5 ppb

7. Have your child tested for lead

Contact your healthcare provider or Wayne County Health: 313-224-0810.

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