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President Joe Biden is setting a 10-year deadline for cities across the U.S. to replace their lead pipes which can make sure that drinking water is safe for all Americans. This highlights an issue, safe drinking water, that Kamala Harris has prioritised as vice president and during her presidential campaign.

According to a report in AP, Biden and Harris believe it’s “a moral imperative” to ensure that everyone has access to clean drinking water, EPA Administrator Michael Regan told reporters Monday. “We know that over 9 million legacy lead pipes continue to deliver water to homes across our country. But the science has been clear for decades: There is no safe level of lead in our drinking water.’’

Lead is a heavy metal used in pipes, paints, ammunition and many other products. It is a neurotoxin that can cause a range of disorders from behavioural problems to brain damage. Lead lowers IQ scores in children, stunts their development and increases blood pressure in adults.

Lead pipes can corrode and contaminate drinking water and hence, removing them can help to reduce the severe health implications.

Lead poisoning happens when there is a build-up of lead in the body. This usually happens over several months or years. Even small amounts of lead can lead to serious health issues. Mayo Clinic says that children younger than 6 years are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning, which can severely affect mental and physical development. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal. “There is treatment for lead poisoning, but taking some simple precautions can help protect you and your family from lead exposure before harm is done.”

Here, take a look at the complications of lead poisoning.

Lead poisoning can severely impact the brain and nervous system, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss and learning disabilities, especially in children. It can also cause behavioural problems, decreased IQ and developmental delays.

Lead exposure damages the kidneys by impairing their ability to filter waste from the blood. Chronic exposure to lead increases the risk of kidney disease, particularly in adults.

Lead contributes to high blood pressure and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. It affects the function of blood vessel function, thereby, leading to hypertension and long-term heart problems.

Lead poisoning can cause fertility problems in both men and women. In pregnant women, it increases the risk of miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. Lead also crosses the placenta, thereby, impacting fetal development.

Lead inhibits the production of haemoglobin, the protein that’s responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. This can result in anaemia, causing fatigue, weakness and other health issues.

Lead can interfere with the growth and development of bones and muscles in children, leading to stunted growth and delayed physical development.

Prolonged exposure to lead weakens the immune system, thereby, making the body more susceptible to infections.

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