Lead Pipe Map

Lead in drinking water: health effects and symptoms

Most children and adults with lead in their blood have no obvious symptoms. A blood lead test is the only way to know. If you're worried about exposure, talk to your doctor or local health department.

Children

Young children absorb lead more easily than adults, and their brains are still developing. The CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Exposure is linked to lower IQ, attention and behavior problems, learning difficulties, slowed growth and anemia. The CDC's blood lead reference value is 3.5 micrograms per deciliter; children above it should get follow-up care.

Pregnancy

Lead can pass to the baby during pregnancy and is linked to low birth weight and premature birth. Pregnant people in homes with lead, galvanized or unknown service lines should use filtered water for drinking and cooking.

Adults

Long-term exposure in adults is linked to high blood pressure, heart and kidney problems, and reproductive effects.

Possible symptoms of higher exposure

When symptoms occur they're often vague: stomach pain, constipation, tiredness, irritability, headaches, trouble concentrating or loss of appetite. Many other conditions cause the same symptoms, which is why testing matters.

What to do

  1. Ask your doctor about a blood lead test, especially for children under 6 and anyone pregnant.
  2. Test your water, often free through your utility.
  3. Use a lead-certified filter until you know.
  4. Remember other sources: old paint dust and soil are the most common cause of high blood lead in children.

This page is general information, not medical advice.

Look up your water system or ZIP code on the Lead Pipe Map home page to see how many lead lines it reported.

Common questions

What are the first signs of lead poisoning?

Often there are none. When symptoms occur they can include stomach pain, tiredness, irritability, headaches and trouble concentrating. A blood test is the only reliable way to know.

Is there a safe level of lead in water?

EPA’s health-based goal for lead in drinking water is zero, and the CDC says no safe blood lead level in children has been identified.

How do I get tested for lead?

Ask your doctor or local health department for a blood lead test. Many health departments test children for free.

More: How to tell if your home has a lead service line · What "lead status unknown" means · Water filters that remove lead · How to test your tap water for lead · Lead service line replacement: cost, who pays and deadlines · Does a Brita filter remove lead?