Hidden toxins: bathtubs as a potential source of lead exposure in children

ABSTRACT

Exposure to lead (Pb) remains a serious health concern for children in the United States, particularly those residing in deteriorating housing. While some sources of Pb such as deteriorating paint and lead waterworks are relatively well understood and widely known, other sources remain hidden. One potential hidden source is bathtubs. In this experiment, water resting in a leaded bathtub was tested over a course of 60 min to determine the extent of metal leaching from the tub to the water. Lead levels in the water increased from 6.8 μg/L at baseline to 13 μg/L after resting in the tub for 60 min. Further research is needed to understand if this is typical, the contributing factors, and clinical significance of this finding.

KEYWORDS:

• Bathtubs
• lead
• lead leaching
• lead poisoning
• water

Acknowledgments

The author would like to acknowledge Elizabeth Witkowski, MILS; Dr. Kathryn Flynn, PhD; Dr. Kirsten Beyer, PhD; and Dr. Caitlin Rublee, MD; for their guidance in this project.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability

Original laboratory report from “Water Diagnostics Labs” available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.