Lead Based upon the information reviewed, lead is the primary contaminant of concern. Preschool-age children and fetuses are usually the most vulnerable segments of the population for exposure to lead. Chronic exposure to low lead levels has been shown to cause subtle effects on the central nervous system which can result in deficits in intelligence, behavior, and school performance. Available evidence is not sufficient to determine whether lead-associated deficits are irreversible. Lead is especially harmful to unborn children.
Anemia is the most serious effect of lead on the hematologic system.
Exposure to lead has been associated with hypertension, renal failure, and gout. The extremely high cumulative doses of lead used in animal studies are difficult to extrapolate to low-level exposure in humans, and do not provide a sufficient basis for quantitative risk assessment. It is difficult to determine with any degree of certainty the risks associated with the lead found in water from the residential well. Children absorb a greater proportion of ingested lead and, as mentioned previously are more susceptible to the subtle effects of ingesting lead. Figure 1 Zinc Zinc was found in the water at a concentration of 7,650 g-zinc per liter.