In recent years, discussion of environmental issues has generally taken a highly politicized tone. In contrast, when an environmental incident temporarily grabs public attention, consensus quickly develops on the importance of environmental regulations to address the specific danger of concern, and even advocates of less government intrusion commonly question why the government did not do more to prevent the incident. Rarely, however, is there room in the public debate for more subtle questions, such as the steps individual citizens can take to protect their own health.
Lead in drinking water is a case in point. Even at low concentrations, lead may cause neurological injuries, learning disabilities, and damage to red blood cells and kidneys. Children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible. To protect human health, the EPA has established a nonenforceable goal in drinking water, known as a maximum contaminant level goal, of zero for lead. Nevertheless, potable water conveyed through lead pipes and reaching homes with lead-containing plumbing will contain some concentration of lead at the tap. Recognizing this reality, the EPA has set an action level of 0.015 milligrams per liter (mg/L) for triggering mitigating actions. Yet until recently, the potential for unsafe levels of lead to be present in the potable water was not a concern that garnered much public attention.
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