October 6, 2009

5 Purdue buildings test over state limit for lead

The five buildings were among 30 from which the university took samples, as required every three years by the Indiana Department for Environmental Management (IDEM). The agency requires corrective action if the samples indicate more than .015 parts per million lead. The buildings are: Mathematical Sciences Building, Lynn and Schleman halls, Krannert Building, and one apartment in the Purdue Village. Levels ranged from .0228 to .0890 parts per million.

Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of corrosion of materials containing lead in the system, such as lead-based solder used to join copper pipe, brass and chrome-plated faucets, and, in some cases, pipes made of lead that connect houses and buildings to water mains.

Purdue has already addressed the problem by adding a phosphate chemical that will coat the buildings' water lines. New samples have been sent to IDEM for testing. Water samples from these and another 30 buildings will be tested again by June 30.

"We are advising that anytime a faucet in these buildings has not been used for six hours or more, individuals should let it run up to 30 seconds before drinking it or using it in cooking," said university spokesperson Jeanne Norberg.

Alerts were sent to affected areas. This is the first time since 1993 that Purdue samples have contained lead above the IDEM standard.

According to IDEM, lead can build up in the body and over many years may damage to the brain, red blood cells and kidneys. The greatest risk is for pregnant women and young children. Amounts of lead that won't harm adults can slow down normal mental and physical development in growing bodies.

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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