Lead Posioning "?"

[Madrocs]

I got a call from my landlord today to let me know that the water lines to the house were sodered with lead back in the late 70's when the place was built. He did it out of concern for us and kids(if we were ever going to have any)

My concern is my dogs who have been drinking this water for the last five years.

Could there be enough lead to cause problems with them?

I have been fine. I worked at a battery manufactor last fall for 3 months, where my lead levels were checked ever month. BUT I dont drink water here(or realy anywhere)

Madrocs has to go back to the vet to get his splein ultra sound check-up(from after they seen 2 small spots on it following his tests, after his MCT was removed from the back of his neck)

I am thinking of getting blood work done on both of them just to be sure.

I just cant find any info on that on the net, how common or serious it could be?


Thanks for any info in advance



btw, I went out and bought them ALOT of spring water to hold them over until I can find answers and get them tested

[moondog]

The landlord needs to have the water tested, and I'd think he'd provide you with a faucet attached filter that will remove lead from the water.

I think a blood test can detect lead poisoning.

[mmilard]

I would get some blood work done on the dogs. Perhaps you can buy one of those Britta Filters that filter out your tap water? I would look into those.

Also I would call your water company, tell them the situation and that you need to have your water tested for lead. They will come out and do that for you.

Hope everything goes well. Keep us updated!



Melissa

[Sharon Marples]

Call your local health authority as well. It seems to me that your landlord should be governed by some sort of legality to test the water and provide a healthy source. You don't own the property, it should not be up to you to have to test and make sure the water is filtered and okay to drink. They may very well require him to replace all the pipes.

[Brandi]

My husband is a plumber,and he says that the lead in the sodder used on the pipes back then would barley detectable in the water today. It is not a water souluable substane like what they use today, so it is not entering the water. At least not enough to cause harm, even over a long period. (That is not to say that we ourselves drink our tap water, just because of the taste.) It is perfectly safe for the dogs. You have no need to worry.

[mmilard]

Originally Posted by Brandi

My husband is a plumber,and he says that the lead in the sodder used on the pipes back then would barley detectable in the water today. It is not a water souluable substane like what they use today, so it is not entering the water. At least not enough to cause harm, even over a long period. (That is not to say that we ourselves drink our tap water, just because of the taste.) It is perfectly safe for the dogs. You have no need to worry.

I'm sorry. I have to disagree. Telling someone that they have no need to worry should not be said. Obviously the landlord is concerned, and he did the right thing by telling them about the pipes. The older the house, the more concern you should have, and take precautions to be on the safe side.

I would still get the water tested, or have the landlord pay for it to get tested JUST to be on the safe side. Maybe he knows more then he's saying, and told them out of concern. Who knows really. But to be safe, have the water tested, and if its high, then have some blood work done on the dogs.

[Madrocs]

Thanks for the info Brandi:) We talked with my g/f dad who has been in construction(stucco mostly) for the last 25 years. He said the same thing. I checked with all of my surrounding neighbors and non of them ever had water lines replaced and they all drink the tap water and have since day one(everyone around me has lived here since these places were built)

So that makes me feel a little better. But we are still going to get the water tested first. Blood tests for lead for them(the puppies) will run $80-$100 each, not that they are not worth that but given the all of the scenrios, it seems like the smartest place to start.

Thanks for the concern too mmilard:) your right you can never not worry. I remember the stories the land lord has told me about himself(to get my own opion) and how the neighbors explained him. Enough so, that it wouldnt suprise me if he did try to cut costs some how on the building of this place(he only lived here 2 years). He could possible be feeling some guilt or something to make him spring this on me so thats why I am just not dropping it.

Thanks again everyone and I'll post the results