The City of Salem has recently sent out letters regarding their Lead Service Line inventory, which is a project designed to identify which water service lines in the city are lead pipes and which are not, so that the lead pipes may be replaced. If you have questions about how to check your service line, you may go to Protect Your Tap: A Quick Check for Lead from the EPA for more information.
Lead is a neurotoxin that causes many negative effects on the nervous system and the rest of the body, and can permanently harm children by delaying growth, lowering IQ, causing anemia and hearing loss, and kidney damage. No amount of lead in the body is considered safe.
It is important to know if you have lead service lines so that you may take precautions to protect yourself. Lead dissolves more readily in hot water, so always use cold water to cook or drink. Eating iron, calcium, and vitamin C rich foods can help block lead from being absorbed.
If you’re concerned about lead poisoning, testing is available at the Dent County Health Center daily. Screening tests are done through a fingerstick blood test. If you think you may have a lead service line or have another exposure to lead, such as paint dust or exposure through work, it is recommended to get tested.
The Dent County Health Center’s website has more information about lead and lead poisoning at https://dentcountyhealthcenter.org/public-health-and-safety/lead/
