Where does lead lead to the analysis of the causes of lead in brass faucets?
September 29 04:14:52, 2025
In recent years, concerns over lead contamination in tap water have sparked significant public attention. A joint study conducted by two state-level laboratories—East China Institute of Technology and Shanghai Xinhua Hospital—revealed alarming results. They tested the most commonly used faucets in 13 households in Shanghai and found that nine out of them released water with lead levels exceeding national standards. The legal limit is set at 5 micrograms per liter, but some samples exceeded this by as much as 18 times, with one model reaching a staggering 173 micrograms per liter—over 34 times the allowed level.
Many people are unaware that tap water can become contaminated with lead due to aging pipes and substandard faucet materials. In a comparative test conducted by the Shanghai Consumer Protection Committee, 22% of the sampled faucets had lead levels that exceeded the standard, with some products being up to 20 times higher than acceptable limits. Similarly, the Beijing Consumers Association tested 50 different faucet models from major building material markets and supermarkets. The results showed that only two stainless steel samples were completely free of lead after 10-hour and 24-hour immersion tests.
So why does lead appear in tap water? What causes it to leach from faucets? And how can we prevent secondary pollution?
The primary issue lies in the materials used for manufacturing faucets. Most domestic faucets are made from HPb59 brass, which should contain less than 1.9% lead. However, some manufacturers cut costs by using brass with 3% to 6% lead content, compromising safety. During the casting process, lead tends to migrate to the surface due to its lower melting point (327.5°C), making the surface 3 to 5 times more lead-rich than the interior. While surface lead removal processes exist, the constant flow of water can erode this layer, leading to further leaching of lead into the water supply.
To address this, the U.S. introduced low-lead copper standards, significantly reducing the risk of lead contamination. In China, the JC/T1043-2007 standard aligns with NSF61 testing methods, requiring multiple samples to be tested over an extended period. The lead concentration must remain below 11 micrograms per liter, while the new GB18145 standard sets the limit at 5 micrograms per liter. Testing is usually carried out by institutions like the National Plumbing Hardware Testing Center and CQC Laboratory.
Experts warn that even though many households have replaced old galvanized iron pipes with plastic alternatives, most still use cast iron or copper alloy faucets. These materials often contain small amounts of lead, which can accumulate over time and contaminate drinking water. Lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially for children and pregnant women.
Children exposed to lead may experience developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral issues. Even low levels of lead can cause attention deficits, hyperactivity, and learning difficulties. For pregnant women, high blood lead levels increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and other complications.
To reduce exposure, experts recommend several steps. First, if water has been sitting in the tap for more than six hours, flush it for 1–3 minutes before use. Second, avoid using hot water for drinking or cooking, as lead leaching is more severe in hot water. Lastly, when purchasing a faucet, opt for high-quality, stainless steel models that are lead-free and do not contribute to secondary pollution.
Despite growing awareness, current Chinese regulations do not mandate specific lead content limits for faucets. However, international efforts, such as the U.S. Lead-Free Act (capping lead at 0.25%), show a clear trend toward stricter controls. China is also preparing to introduce a new national standard, with lead leaching becoming a key focus.
By staying informed and taking preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of lead exposure through tap water. Always check for quality certifications and consider upgrading to safer plumbing materials for long-term health benefits.
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