Lead Accumulation in Stagnant Water During COVID-19
Posted by awoznicki on Apr. 21, 2020 / Subscribe 0
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many day cares, schools, and commercial facilities
have closed their buildings to occupants or are experiencing an overall reduction in occupancy
and business. As a result, building water systems may be left stagnant until re-occupied and
business resumes. The abrupt startup of water systems without consideration of stagnation
may expose building occupants to lead that has accumulated within the plumbing system due to
long stagnation time periods. Flushing water systems well before use is a low-cost preventative measure to reduce lead exposure from water
by allowing fresh water to move through those faucets that have not been used over the duration
of each building’s shut down period due to COVID-19 related stay at home orders and school
closures.
Lead is a naturally occurring element found in the earth’s crust. While it has beneficial uses, it
can be toxic to humans if ingested or inhaled. Lead is absorbed into drinking water from lead
service lines, lead plumbing, and lead solder within building water supply systems. Water supply
systems built prior to 1986 are more likely to contain lead components, but there is always some
risk associated with lead in drinking water.
1. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), elevated levels of lead exposure can
cause increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension, decreased kidney function, and
reproductive issues in both men and women. Pregnant women, young children, and infants are
particularly vulnerable to lead exposure from drinking water. For children, low lead levels can
result in behavior and learning problems, lower IQ and hyperactivity, slowed growth, hearing
problems, and anemia.
2. Testing your facility’s water supply for lead at each fixture is a very useful tool in preventing lead
exposure to building occupants once buildings are reopened.
3. Testing provides valuable information in designing mitigation plans custom to each building. Additional measures for
buildings to take prior to normal building occupancy include:
Thoroughly flushing the building water system periodically up to a week prior to
reopening to ensure accumulated lead is flushed out of the system.
• Using only cold water for cooking and drinking.
• Regularly cleaning or replacing the aerator (faucet screen) the water flows through.
• Installing NSF-certified water filters designed to remove lead from water.
As we navigate through abnormal building occupancy/re-occupancy and business, school, and
day care fluctuations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to flush water systems in
advance of reoccupation and continue to frequently flush systems following extended periods
without usage.
Jacqueline Coreno Luke Nienhaus, CIH
Associate Consultant Manager
[email protected] [email protected]
(773) 867-6013 (773) 867-6004
At RHP Risk Management, we help our clients navigate the uncertainties associated with
environmental and occupational hazards and risks. Our staff of public health professionals are
experienced and trained in recognizing, anticipating, and controlling hazards. There are experts
in the development of water management programs and water testing to reduce the risks of lead
exposure. RHP offers lead training for daycare directors, consulting, and lead testing. For more
information on RHP’s lead in water services and contact information, please visit
https://rhprisk.com/lead_water/
For more resources concerning COVID-19, visit www.rhprisk.com/coronavirus/
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