Keeping your employees safe may include installing security cameras and coming up with an emergency plan. But it’s important to also consider their safety internally. We’re talking about water. Finding lead in water is unfortunately common in the United States. It’s found in homes across the country, but can be removed with a filter. But what about the water in your office? Is there lead in there and can it hurt your employees?
Lead finds its way into drinking water that comes from older pipes. If the water has been sitting in the pipes for a few hours or even a few days, lead can be a major concern. About 85% of American homes have water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium. With that many homes impacted by hard water, can you imagine how many offices are, too? While consuming a tiny amount of lead through water won’t do major damage, it’s key to try and reduce as much as you can.
High levels of lead can get into the bloodstream and cause serious health issues. As a business owner, you should always be aware of how much lead is in your office’s water at one time. To test the water, you can either contact your water company, buy lead testing strips, or find a DEP-Certified lab in your area. If the water contains lead content more than 15 parts per billion, you need to take care of the problem as soon as possible. If there’s nothing you can do for a few hours or a few days, make sure your employees stay away from ingesting the water.
To keep everyone safe at all times, you may consider purchasing an office water dispenser. These dispensers or water filters are the most effective way to reduce any lead exposure. Water filtration systems can also improve the quality of your drinking water as a whole so your employees are protected from any kind of bacteria.
Lead in water is nothing to mess around with. If there is a high amount of lead in your office’s water, your employees may experience some serious health issues. Consistently check your water’s lead level and install a water filtration system to protect your employees.