Summer is the time we make use of our garden hoses. We use them for watering the lawn, washing the car and numerous other activities. Our kids often use them for water games - and when they do, it's natural for them to drink from the hose. That being the case, several constituents have contacted me and raised an important issue that deserves our attention. You may be unaware that lead, which is not to be consumed, is present in many of our everyday garden hoses.
Some garden hoses contain levels of lead higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows for drinking water. Many common garden hoses are manufactured with the plastic Polyvinyl Chloride, and this material leaches high amounts lead into the water.
This issue came to light in 2004. When it did, three of the country's leading hose makers were sued by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) for health violations. CEH won a settlement from the manufacturers, who agreed to reformulate and significantly reduce lead levels in hoses by July 31, 2007. Since then, CEH has found that new garden hoses are largely in compliance with the settlement. Nevertheless, hoses sold before 2007 have not been recalled and some new hoses still contain high levels of lead (you will notice that some of these hoses have labels near the nozzle that warn of the presence of lead).
I recently contacted Lead-Safe Wisconsin, a public organization that provides citizens with information and resources to create lead-safe homes, and raised this issue. Health officials are well aware of this problem and they stress that water from garden hoses should not be consumed, especially by young children. While the consumption of a small amount of lead is relatively harmless, a steady buildup can cause irreversible physical and neurological damage.
In the larger scheme of lead safety, the presence of lead paint in our homes is the most pressing concern. As you may know, when lead paint begins to chip, the paint mixes with dust particles and becomes airborne. As this contaminated air travels throughout a building, it becomes a health hazard for all those exposed. Exposure to lead paint is Lead-Safe Wisconsin's top priority and I have been assured they are working hard to identify hazardous buildings and make the proper adjustments.
So what can you do to make your homes lead-safe? First, if you know or suspect your home contains lead paint, contact Lead-Safe Wisconsin at (608) 266-5817 or your local public health officials. Another thing you can do is shop for lead-safe products. For instance, there are many lead-safe hoses on the market. They are colored white as a distinguishing characteristic and are less likely to contain toxins or collect bacteria. Make sure to check other hoses for a label that warns of the presence of lead. If the hose has this warning, stop your kids or pets from drinking the water.
For more information, visit Lead-Safe Wisconsin online at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/lead/index.htm.
- Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, is a state representative for the 51st Assembly District, which includes all of Iowa, most of Lafayette and part of Sauk counties.
Some garden hoses contain levels of lead higher than what the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) allows for drinking water. Many common garden hoses are manufactured with the plastic Polyvinyl Chloride, and this material leaches high amounts lead into the water.
This issue came to light in 2004. When it did, three of the country's leading hose makers were sued by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) for health violations. CEH won a settlement from the manufacturers, who agreed to reformulate and significantly reduce lead levels in hoses by July 31, 2007. Since then, CEH has found that new garden hoses are largely in compliance with the settlement. Nevertheless, hoses sold before 2007 have not been recalled and some new hoses still contain high levels of lead (you will notice that some of these hoses have labels near the nozzle that warn of the presence of lead).
I recently contacted Lead-Safe Wisconsin, a public organization that provides citizens with information and resources to create lead-safe homes, and raised this issue. Health officials are well aware of this problem and they stress that water from garden hoses should not be consumed, especially by young children. While the consumption of a small amount of lead is relatively harmless, a steady buildup can cause irreversible physical and neurological damage.
In the larger scheme of lead safety, the presence of lead paint in our homes is the most pressing concern. As you may know, when lead paint begins to chip, the paint mixes with dust particles and becomes airborne. As this contaminated air travels throughout a building, it becomes a health hazard for all those exposed. Exposure to lead paint is Lead-Safe Wisconsin's top priority and I have been assured they are working hard to identify hazardous buildings and make the proper adjustments.
So what can you do to make your homes lead-safe? First, if you know or suspect your home contains lead paint, contact Lead-Safe Wisconsin at (608) 266-5817 or your local public health officials. Another thing you can do is shop for lead-safe products. For instance, there are many lead-safe hoses on the market. They are colored white as a distinguishing characteristic and are less likely to contain toxins or collect bacteria. Make sure to check other hoses for a label that warns of the presence of lead. If the hose has this warning, stop your kids or pets from drinking the water.
For more information, visit Lead-Safe Wisconsin online at http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/lead/index.htm.
- Steve Hilgenberg, D-Dodgeville, is a state representative for the 51st Assembly District, which includes all of Iowa, most of Lafayette and part of Sauk counties.
