Local Assemblymember’s Legislation Aiming to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water Passes First Policy Committee

Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) legislation, AB 100 that would set a limit on the amount of lead leaching from drinking water faucets and fixtures passed the Assembly Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

“We all expect the water we drink will keep us and our children healthy, and not make us sick,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “This legislation ensures that faucets and plumbing fixtures sold in California leach as little lead as possible.”

Lead is a severe neurotoxin that damages the brains and central nervous systems of young children. Lead is also a carcinogen and harms organs. Low levels of lead in children cause IQ loss, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and impaired hearing.

Currently, consumers have no idea when they go to a hardware store if the faucet they buy is safe or not. Faucets can leach lead when they are used. Holden’s bill would restrict the amount of lead leaching from faucets and fixtures to no more than one microgram, which is five times lower than the current industry standard.

“We want to ensure that Californians can feel comfortable when purchasing new faucets, and are not ingesting lead that we know to be dangerous to our health,” said Holden.