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Galvanized Pipes, Nails, Fencing, and More
The galvanizing process involves coating metal materials
with zinc, which helps prevent corrosion and rusting. Some
lesser grades of galvanizing solution contain high amounts of
lead.
Health Hazards:
The lead present in galvanized pipes and/or pipes with
lead solder can leach into water passing through these pipes.
If your household pipes are galvanized, your drinking water
may be at risk. The lead is also a problem when handling
pipes, nails, and other galvanized materials, as it can rub
off on hands and body. How many carpenters use their mouth as
a third hand for nails? Bad idea.
How to Avoid or Minimize Exposure: Don't
buy galvanized pipes for drinking water supply lines. Use
copper pipes and drinking-water-quality PVC pipes that meet
the drinking-water standards of the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM). To determine if your pipes are a
risk, have your drinking water tested by a lab. Note that hot
water leaches lead more effectively, so if you are uncertain,
it is wise to take precautions such as running cold water from
the tap and then heating it up for cooking, instead of running
the hot water into your pots. When you do use galvanized
building materials such as nails, buy products that have
high-grade or "special high-grade" galvanizing to
avoid lead content.
Links to Related Resources
ERF
Chemical Fact Sheet for Lead
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