Lead in Drinking Water Detector

 

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water.

 

Lead in drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly for children and pregnant women. In young children, even low levels of lead exposure can impair brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral issues. Lead exposure is so detrimental to healthy development that the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) released a statement on the Prevention of Childhood Lead Toxicity.  The statement places schools–where the vast majority of children spend the vast majority of their time–at the center of efforts to protect kids.  The AAP recommends state and local governments “ensure that water fountains in schools do not exceed water lead concentrations of 1 ppb.”

UNC Superfund Research Program

In adults, low blood lead concentrations are also linked with  dangers, including high blood pressure, kidney damage, and reproductive problems.  And because lead accumulates in the body over time, prolonged exposure—even in small amounts—can lead to chronic health complications.

In other words, there is no safe level of lead in drinking water, which is why minimizing exposure is crucial for long-term health and well-being.

 

To search for lead in drinking water, we lend the ANDalyze 1100 Fluorometer with required accessories.  The test is performed in two simple steps, by taking a 1 milliliter water sample and injecting it through the sensor and into the AND1100 Fluorometer.  The sample is then automatically analyzed, and results are reported in less than two minutes.

 

Watch a video explaining how one organization used this equipment at St. Paul School District Tests for Lead.

If you live in North Carolina, you can find information about the amount of lead in the drinking water of thousands of schools and day care facilities.

Borrow a lead detector from our Lending Library.

 

 


Borrowers

To ensure accurate measurements, borrowers of the ANDalyze 1100 meter must engage in some preparation.  It is important to carefully read the User Manual for AND1100 Fluorometer for taking water samples.  This document explains the timing, temperature, and pH requirements for samples, steps for calibrating the fluorometer, and how to use the ‘kit’ materials we provide in conjunction with the meter.  Most borrowers require about 30 minutes to learn how to effectively use the device.

Differences in the composition of water samples may enhance or suppress fluorescence–a phenomenon which is used by the meter to indicate the presence of lead.   Therefore, unlike other equipment we lend, prior to real sampling, borrowers must perform a “Site Calibration” with two preliminary samples and sensor kits (provided). The samples establish a “factor” which compensates for whether the water composition tends to increase or decrease detection of fluorescence.  At the end of the process, the fluorometer is calibrated to test and provide results associated with that specific site.

Because calibration and final samples can be costly, we limit the number of kits lent to each borrower.  However, we can assist all borrowers in careful planning to maximize instructive value.