Where does lead lead to the analysis of the causes of lead in brass faucets?
September 29 04:12:21, 2025
In recent years, concerns over lead contamination in tap water have become increasingly prominent. A joint study conducted by two state-level laboratories at East China Institute of Technology and Shanghai Xinhua Hospital tested the most commonly used faucets in 13 households across Shanghai. The results revealed that nine out of the tested samples had lead levels exceeding the national standard of 5 micrograms per liter. Some exceeded the limit by as much as 18 times, with one model reaching an alarming 173 micrograms per liter—over 34 times the allowed level.
Many people are unaware that tap water can become contaminated with lead and other harmful substances due to aging pipes or faulty faucet materials. A comparative test by the Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee found that 22% of the sampled faucets had lead levels above the standard, with some exceeding it by up to 20 times. Similarly, the Beijing Consumers Association tested various faucet products available in major markets and supermarkets, finding that only two stainless steel samples were completely free of lead after 10 and 24-hour immersion tests.
So why does lead appear in tap water? And how can we prevent secondary pollution from our faucets?
**The Problem Lies in Brass Faucets**
Most domestic faucets are made from brass HPb59, which is supposed to contain less than 1.9% lead. However, some manufacturers use higher lead content (3% to 6%) to cut costs and improve machinability. During casting, lead tends to segregate on the surface due to its lower melting point (327.5°C), resulting in higher lead concentration on the outer layer. While surface treatment can reduce this, water flow can erode the treated layer, exposing internal lead and increasing leaching over time. In response, the U.S. introduced low-lead copper to address this issue.
**Lead Standards: What You Need to Know**
Lead content in faucets is measured in two ways: the percentage of lead in the material, and the amount of lead leached into water during testing. It’s important to note that a product meeting raw material standards may still exceed leaching limits. For example, the U.S. NSF61 standard aligns with China’s JC/T1043-2007, which requires testing under specific conditions. The new GB18145 standard sets a Q value of 5 micrograms per liter, emphasizing the importance of both material quality and product stability.
**Lead Pollution: A Threat to Health**
Lead exposure poses serious risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Even low levels can cause developmental issues, including reduced IQ, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Studies show that a 100 microgram per liter increase in blood lead levels can reduce a child’s height by 1–3 cm and lower their IQ by 6–8 points. In infants, levels above 200 micrograms per liter are linked to a significantly higher risk of dyslexia and other developmental delays.
Pregnant women are also vulnerable, as high lead levels can increase the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.
**How to Reduce Lead Exposure**
To minimize lead exposure from tap water, experts recommend:
- Flushing the tap for 1–3 minutes if water has been stagnant for over 6 hours.
- Avoiding the use of hot water for drinking or cooking, as lead leaching increases with temperature.
- Choosing certified, high-quality faucets, preferably stainless steel, which is lead-free and safer for long-term use.
Although current Chinese standards do not mandate specific lead limits, growing awareness has led to calls for stricter regulations. The U.S. has already implemented a lead-free law requiring faucets to contain no more than 0.25% lead, and similar measures are being considered in Europe and China. As new national standards approach, reducing lead contamination will likely become a top priority in the plumbing industry.
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