Replacing toxic lead pipes with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) alternatives is sparking concern among advocates who say the plastic may pose its own health risks by leaching chemicals into drinking water.
Amudalat Ajasa reports for The Washington Post.
In summary:
- The Biden administration's order to replace lead pipes nationwide has sparked debate over PVC, a cheaper and longer-lasting option that is linked to potential health risks, including cancer-causing vinyl chloride.
- Experts disagree about whether chemicals from PVC pipes leach into drinking water. However, some studies suggest that hundreds of chemicals can leak, especially in new pipes.
- Environmentalists warn that PVC could become another public health crisis, citing outdated regulatory testing standards and uncertain long-term safety.
Key quote:
“These chemicals don’t stay in the plastic. They don’t stay in the PVC and can easily get into the water.”
— Martin Wagner, toxicologist and biology professor, Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Why this is important:
While lead pipes are a known hazard, using PVC as a replacement raises the question of swapping one risk for another. For now, it is left to communities to weigh the potential risks and costs.
More from EHN:
Lead pipe replacement in the US raises concerns about plastic and environmental injustice
America is replacing its pipes: Are ductile iron pipes a good alternative to plastic?
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