Some common use garden hoses that are sold at local stores such as Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Target and Ace Hardware may contain very high levels of lead. Garden hoses tend to be made of PVC, which is a dirty plastic, in which lead is used as a stabilizer.[1]

Some of the hoses tested had lead levels almost 20 times higher than what the EPS allows for drinking water.

 

Lead is very dangerous to the health of young children; no amount of lead exposure is safe for a child. Lead puts children at risk for brain damage, developmental delays and a host of other very serious health problems.

 

What You Can DO?

 

With all garden hoses you should:

§        Check the label on any garden hose you buy. Make sure its safe for drinking or to be used around children.

§        Check the label for any warnings on it saying do not drink, if you cant find the label or just are not sure call about the garden hose you are using call the store or manufacturer and ask questions about the hoses safety;

§        If in doubt do not use around children and pets;  

 

If you know the hose is safe:

§        Flush any hose before you use it;

§        Use only marine or RV hoses, they are generally safe for drinking and around children.

§        Always have water available for children from a pitcher instead of from a garden hose.

 

If you are unsure about the safety of a hose:

§        Do not let children drink from any hose;

§        Do not fill kiddy or wading pools with any hoses that may not be safe;

§        Hoses with brass fittings can also leach lead into the water where children play.