Still too much lead in drinking water
dpa
06.02.08 - found in approximately three percent of German households with children, too much lead in drinking water, provided the EPA determined. This could hamper intelligence and motor skills of children, a UBA spokesman said, referring to the children's environmental study. The heavy metal is in infants and young children as a health hazard.
have in 150 locations nationwide, the scientists studied the living conditions of 1,790 children aged 3 to 14 years. Among others were taken in her apartment drinking water samples.
was in three percent of the cases, the measured value over ten micrograms of lead per liter of drinking water. give Underneath, there are no measurable health effects more, said the spokesman. This value is however only in 2013 as the official limit. Currently, according to a drinking water regulation Maximum of 25 micrograms allowed.
was for years the permissible limit for lead in Germany even at 40 micrograms. With the gradual lowering of the maximum value followed by Germany, a European directive.
were in some regions of the Federal Republic of lead pipes and even the early 70s were built, according to the statement of the Federal Environment Agency. There, some even 25 micrograms would be exceeded.
Since lead pipes are very durable and a complete exchange appears expensive, many homeowners were reluctant to. "The upcoming renovations to improve heat insulation is a good opportunity to finally banish the lead from the old buildings," said UBA President Andreas Troge.
