Introduction
In the last ten years, some countries around the world have made headlines when tests revealed dangerously high lead levels in their drinking water. The result was a human health crisis that residents are still feeling today.
The EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) estimates that millions of service lines that deliver drinking water to homes and businesses are made of lead. The Government considers replacing these lead pipes a top priority, with the EPA proposing to remove the lead pipes within 10 years. Some governments answered the call and launched a variety of initiatives to help. For example, in the USA, the federal government prioritized this problem and committed US $15 billion over five years to lead pipe replacement.
There are many studies water policy and water chemistry, with a focus on plastics and emerging contaminants, as well as on equitable access to clean water. We see concerns with a popular replacement material for lead pipes: plastic.
Table of Contents
Why is Using Lead Pipes Harmful?
The level of lead exposure considered safe for humans does not exist.
In children, lead exposure can affect the development of their brains and organs, leading to decreased intelligence, behavioral disorders, and difficulties with learning. It is also important to consider the vulnerability of adults. A low level of lead exposure can result in kidney problems as well as high blood pressure.
Copper, iron, and plastic are all common replacement materials for lead pipes. Plastic, particularly polyvinyl chloride or PVC, is an increasingly popular choice. Plastic tends to have an initial price tag that is lower than the other materials.
Types of plastic pipes
A 2023 study found that pipe material and age can contribute to the release of microplastics in drinking water. Using plastic pipes can decrease the cost of operations and make factories avoid the health problems that can caused due to using lead pipes. Plus, plastic pipes have a core value with is long life expectancy.
One type of plastic, PVC, was first used in U.S. water systems in 1955 and became widespread in the 1970s. Other types of plastic pipes include cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).
Hidden Health Costs for Plastic Pipes
Although the benefits of using plastic pipes and they took a widespread there are other sides rather than cost that should be considered if there are side effects of using PVC pipes on health.
Scientists believe that more studies are needed to understand the effects of plastic pipes on health and the environment, both in the short and long term.
Until now studies and research have found some results for using PVC like:
Leakage problems:
Plastic pipes can react with metals and release chemicals and tiny plastic particles (microplastics and nanoplastics). These particles can negatively impact health, such as increasing the risk of kidney disease.
Age and condition:
Over time, plastic pipes can degrade and release more microplastics into the water.
Collect bacteria and minerals:
A layer called “biofilm” (a layer of microorganisms) forms inside pipes that come into contact with water. This layer can collect heavy metals like lead, slowly releasing them into the water.
Durability issues:
Although PVC and other plastic pipes are designed to last a long time, there have been reports of problems such as deformation, leaks, and root infiltration into the pipes.
Examples from the Netherlands and the US illustrate these shortcomings, where leaks and deterioration have been found in sewer and water systems that have used plastic pipes since the 1970s.
Experiences from US cities:
Prescott, Arizona: Started using PVC pipes in the mid-1980s, but started experiencing durability issues (such as leaks) in the 1990s. In 2023, the city decided to switch to ductile iron pipes because of these problems.
Hamilton, Ohio: Pipes made of HDPE (high-density polyethylene) that were supposed to last 80 years began to fail after only 20 years. As a result, the city started using iron and copper pipes.
Conclusion
Replacing pipes is a huge step so this step is needed for choosing materials that meet the cost that suits your industrial budget and meet health standards at the same time. Informed decisions must be made that take into account all factors, not just price, to avoid hidden costs in the future.
