Question

Lead pipes are not used for carrying drinking water because

Answer 1

Hint: The dissolution of lead in water is known as plumbo solvency. It generally increases the concentration of lead in water which passes through lead pipes. This will make the water not fit for consumption of human beings and will lead to health hazards. Lead is toxic to human beings as it affects the functioning of various organs like heart, kidneys, nervous system, reproductive system, etc.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
Lead is a metal which is used to make various substances like paints, pipes, as a corrosion resistant, making coins and many more. It is also used in making car batteries and also as a primary ingredient in making lead acid batteries.

But lead pipes are not safe to transport drinking water as water has oxygen dissolved in it. This oxygen may attack the lead and may form poisonous lead acetate. The water which contains dissolved air attacks lead and forms a soluble hydroxide. This soluble hydroxide is dangerous and poisonous.

Note: The lead from lead pipes, dissolving into drinking water may be harmful if it accumulates in the body mainly for children and babies as their development can be affected. The use of lead pipes has been banned in some countries like the UK as the exposure to large amounts of lead may be dangerous to the health of unborn babies and small children. Many water companies recommend replacing all the lead pipes with new plastic or copper pipes that are approved for use with drinking water.