Don't Use Solder That Contains Lead For Work On Drinking Water
Systems: Safety Alert
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Don't Use Solder That Contains Lead For Work On Drinking Water
Systems: Safety Alert
CPSC Document #5056
In the past, solder normally contained about 50 percent lead.
(An example of the label marking would be: "ALLOY 50/50"). The
use in drinking water systems of solder labeled like this is
prohibited by federal law.
Now, there is solder on the market made from tin and antimony.
(An example of the label marking would be: "95/TIN, 5/ANT.") Use
this "lead-free" solder for plumbing in drinking water systems.
Consumers who do minor repairs of plumbing in drinking water
systems should stop using solder that contains lead. Lead can
leach from the solder and cause a health hazard when ingested.
Too much lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain,
kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. At greatest risk
are young children and pregnant women. Amendments to the Safe
Drinking Water Act (primarily administered by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency) require the use of "lead-free"
pipe, solder, and flux in the installation or repair of any
public water system, or any plumbing In a residential or
nonresidential facility connected to a public water system.
Do not use lead-containing solder for plumbing in drinking water
systems. Effective June 19, 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission will enforce the Federal Hazardous Substances
Act's requirement that all solders that contain more than 0.2
percent lead must be labeled with this warning:
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WARNING: CONTAINS (more than 0.2 percent) LEAD.
The use of this solder to make joints or fittings in any private
or public potable water supply system is prohibited.
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If your drinking water is contaminated with lead, or you suspect
that it may be, EPA recommends two immediate steps:
- When the water in a particular faucet has not been used for six
hours or longer, "flush" your cold water pipes by running the
water until it becomes as cold as it will get.
- Use only water from the cold water tap for drinking, cooking,
and especially for making baby formula. Hot water is likely to
contain higher levels of lead.
For more information about how lead gets into your water and what
you can do about it, write for the booklet "Lead and Your
Drinking Water," U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Public
Information Center, 401 M Street, SW. Washington, DC 20460.
008804