If your household plumbing was installed before 1986, there’s a strong chance you have lead in the plumbing pipes. Five Star Plumbing advises that this lead can seep into the water that flows out of the taps. Consequently, this means you could be consuming the lead through your drinking and cooking water and bathing in it. Let’s talk about the signs of lead poisoning below.
Abdominal Pain
Many people experience abdominal pain after consuming lead. The pain may be cramping or a steady ache. If anyone in your household is complaining of abdominal pain, especially your children, head to the ER right away to make certain it isn’t lead poisoning.
Difficulty Concentrating
The consumption of lead can also make it difficult to concentrate. This is because your body is being slowly poisoned by the ingestion of the lead. In addition, your skin can absorb the lead if there is lead in your water when you take a bath or shower.
Headache
Alongside problems concentrating, lead poisoning also causes headaches. If anyone in your family is suffering from frequent headaches, and, again, your plumbing is older than 1986, take into account the strong possibility of lead poisoning as the cause.
High Blood Pressure
Too much lead in your system can also increase your blood pressure. As you already know, high blood pressure is considered a silent killer because you may not know you suffer from the condition. Have your blood pressure checked regularly to make sure it is normal.
Joint/Muscle Pain
Lead poisoning also causes pain in the joints and muscles. Again, if anyone in your family is suffering from joint and/or muscle pain, head to the doctor to get to the bottom of the problem. If lead is the issue, you will need to have your household plumbing replaced.
Memory Loss
Lead poisoning can also make it difficult to remember things. In addition, it can cause moodiness and depression. Have a long talk with every member of your family to check their memory and to see if they have been feeling cranky or down lately. If so, they may be ingesting lead.
Reproductive Disorders
Finally, lead poisoning can cause reproductive disorders. In men, it can cause a reduction in the sperm count released in the semen. In women, it can cause premature birth or birth defects during pregnancy. Lead poisoning can also cause the baby to be stillborn.
Call Five Star Plumbing in and San Antonio, TX, today to set up an appointment to have your plumbing replaced if it contains lead in it.
