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Lead is a metal that can be found in paint, air, soil, household dust, food and tap water. High levels of lead in tap water can cause serious health effects. It has been found that lead exposure can lead to cognitive impairment in children. As per UNICEF, almost 800 million children across the world are affected by lead poisoning.  It can also cause hypertension, kidney damage and interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

2.   Is lead harmful for everyone?

Lead is harmful to everyone, but it is especially dangerous for infants, young children and pregnant women.  As discussed above, lead can cause impaired mental and physical development. Also, lead in the blood during pregnancy can increase risk for miscarriage or premature delivery.

3.   How does lead get into drinking water?

Lead in drinking water usually comes from plumbing lines or household pipes. Older homes are most at risk of having lead in water as it was common to install lead pipes earlier. Lead-containing water pipes ultimately rust, letting lead contaminate water supply,  making the water unsuitable for drinking.

4.   How to test your tap water or lead?

These days, instant lead water test kits are easily available that will show whether water has lead or not. You can even use a digital kit. Usually, to test the water, you need a sample that has been stagnant in the pipes for at least six to eight hours. Don�"�t run taps before taking the sample. The best way to collect the sample in the morning as you will get water that was in the pipes overnight.

5.    What can be done to reduce or eliminate lead in drinking water?

Here are some ways to  reduce or eliminate lead in drinking water:

â�"      Use water filters:  RO water filters can remove most lead from your drinking water.

â�"      Avoid using hot water: If you have lead pipes at home, do not use hot water as it dissolves lead. Do not use hot water directly from the faucet to cook or make hot drinks.

Replace lead pipes with lead-free plumbing pipes

The most effective way to prevent lead from entering your tap water is to use uPVC or cPVC pipes that are lead-free.  Our uPVC and CPVC pipes and fittings are not just lead free, they are also resistant to chemicals, corrosion and UV rays. They are manufactured with the best sourced raw materials and adapted to international standards.

What is the difference between uPVC and CPVC?

Both uPVC and CPVC pipes and fittings are made from different types of vinyl chloride. uPVC is treated with UV light, which makes it more resistant to degradation from sunlight. CPVC is treated with chlorination. This makes it more resistant to heat and chemicals.

Utkarsh India, one of the manufacturers of cPVC and uPVC pipes and fittings, discusses some useful insights on lead pipes and lead poisoning....

According to a World Health Organisation study, for road safety campaigns to be effective they need to adopt a multi-pronged approach. To influence behaviour change, the campaigns must be supported by proper legislation and law enforcement.

5.    Involving children in safety campaigns can drive positive behaviour in adults

Involving children in road safety campaigns can be quite effective. Not only will they learn important safety skills but they will also positively influence their parent�"�s safety habits.

6.   Engage different organisations to create an effective road safety

When you are creating a road safety campaign, it is important to seek inputs from key stakeholders. Consulting them makes sure that the campaign is accurate, effective and reaches out to the maximum people.  Here are some of the agencies that should be consulted:

• Local government

• Local law agencies

• Public health departments

• Business leaders

• Road safety advocacy groups

• Local media

• Youth organisations

Metal crash barriers play a very important role in ensuring road safety. They help in preventing cross-over collisions. Also, in case of an accident, they help to stop vehicles from going off the road. As one of the leading metal crash barrier manufacturers, we offer crash barriers that are manufactured and tested conforming to international standards set by MORTH and AASHTO.  They are hot-dip galvanised for longer life. We are a one-stop shop for all components and anchorage systems. We deliver all over India. To know the crash barrier price, contact us.  

As one of the leading metal crash barrier manufacturers, Utkarsh India share with you some useful insights on effective road safety campaigns....