In this section, we will be introducing several tips on how to deal with lead exposure from drinking water that are not related to filters.
Lead Water Service Replacement Program
As mentioned before, houses in Canada built before 1955 will likely have lead pipes and if you live in one of those houses (built before 1955) you can register for a free lead test by picking up a sample bottle found at most Toronto Public Health locations and returning it after collecting a water sample at home.13
Here's a list of Toronto Public Health Stations:
West Region Public Health Office: Etobicoke Civic Centre - 399 The West Mall, 4th Floor
North Region Public Health Office: North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St, 2nd Floor
East Region Public Health Office: 1530 Markham Rd, 5th Floor
South Region Public Health Offices:
If your water turns out to have a lead ion concentration of higher than 0.01 mg/L (10 ppb), then visit this site to fill out an application form and get your pipes replaced!13 After you get your pipes replace, the Brita filter may not even be needed!
Here's a list of Toronto Public Health Stations:
West Region Public Health Office: Etobicoke Civic Centre - 399 The West Mall, 4th Floor
North Region Public Health Office: North York Civic Centre - 5100 Yonge St, 2nd Floor
East Region Public Health Office: 1530 Markham Rd, 5th Floor
South Region Public Health Offices:
- 2340 Dundas St West, Main Floor
- 44 Victoria St, 18th Floor
- 175 Memorial Park Ave
If your water turns out to have a lead ion concentration of higher than 0.01 mg/L (10 ppb), then visit this site to fill out an application form and get your pipes replaced!13 After you get your pipes replace, the Brita filter may not even be needed!
More Quick Tips to Reduce Lead Exposure
1. Do not cook with or drink hot water from the tap because hot water causes the lead from the pipes to erode.6
2. Whenever you use the tap, especially first thing in the morning, flush! This means you should let the water run a while until the water changes temperature (meaning that the water that has been sitting in the pipes has all run out and the "new" water (the water that hasn't been sitting in the pipes) is beginning to run).6
3. Eat meals that are low in fat and high in calcium and iron (such as dairy products and green veggies) to reduce lead buildup in your body (especially for children).5
4. Breastfeed your children because breast milk is very healthy and has very low lead content.9
2. Whenever you use the tap, especially first thing in the morning, flush! This means you should let the water run a while until the water changes temperature (meaning that the water that has been sitting in the pipes has all run out and the "new" water (the water that hasn't been sitting in the pipes) is beginning to run).6
3. Eat meals that are low in fat and high in calcium and iron (such as dairy products and green veggies) to reduce lead buildup in your body (especially for children).5
4. Breastfeed your children because breast milk is very healthy and has very low lead content.9