Some Amazon-sold faucets may be dangerous: These models could contain harmful levels of lead

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall of certain bathroom and kitchen faucets made in China and sold on Amazon.com that could leach lead into drinking water. The commission is warning consumers to stop using them immediately and dispose of them.

“If consumers need to use these faucets until they can be replaced, make sure to run the water 15 seconds before consuming,” advises the government watchdog. Note that running hot water through pipes that potentially contain lead can actually increase leaching of the toxic metal.

The agency warns that “lead ingestion can cause harmful neurological effects on infants, young children, and pregnant women.” These can include “attention-related behavioral problems, decreased cognitive performance and lower IQ.”

Faucet models that could contain harmful levels of lead

The CPSC recalled nine faucets after none of the Chinese firms agreed to conduct an acceptable one themselves. The recalled faucets were “sold online at Amazon.com for between $30 and $70,” states the recall notice.

Many of the faucets being recalled lack safety certifications and do not have branding or other source-identifying labels. For that reason, the CPSC advises consumers that may have bought one to check their Amazon online purchase orders for the following faucets:

“CPSC is taking extraordinary steps to protect Americans from toxic faucets that threaten our children,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman in a statement.

“This Commission will not hesitate to warn Americans when necessary. CPSC remains focused on the biggest threat to American consumers: hazardous goods from China,” added the government watchdog.

What are the dangers of lead poisoning?

The dangers of short-term and low-level lead exposure may not cause any symptoms, but “even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to negatively affect a child’s health,” states the CDC.

Higher levels of lead exposure can have serious and detrimental effects on the human body. It can affect different bodily systems and lead to a range of health problems, particularly for babies and young children.

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The severity of these effects depends on the level and duration of exposure, as well as the age and health of the individual. “There is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm,” warns the CDC.