The lead content of household tap water varies. When mixed with infant formulas, tap water can become a primary source of lead exposure in non-nursing infants during the first six months of life. Lead accumulates gradually in the body over a lifetime. It collects mainly in the bones, with small amounts in the soft tissues. High levels of lead can damage the kidneys, liver, heart, and the reproductive and immune systems.
Young children absorb lead more readily than adults.
Even low levels of lead intake can cause learning and behavioral disorders and affect growth. It is estimated that three to four million children, less than six years of age, may have unsafe lead levels in their blood. A study conducted at Columbia University has shown that lead was leached from lead crystal decanters and baby bottles into the beverages that they hold. Acids, such as those present in tomato juice and fruit juices, speed up the release of lead from the crystal. Results of the study indicate that the lead content of one liquid tripled after just four hours in a lead crystal container.