Lead service lines and Parkinson’s disease prevalence in U.S. States

Abstract

Introduction We recently showed that the prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in U.S. states is positively associated with the quantity of acid rain. Acid rain could play an etiologic role in PD by mobilizing metals, e.g., lead, from watersheds and pipes into drinking water. We assessed the correlation of PD with lead service lines, the underground pipes that connect homes to municipal water sources, which are a major aqueous source of lead. Methods We used multiple regression techniques to examine PD prevalence rates by state relative to the number of lead service lines. We included known or suspected aqueous risk factors, e.g., the Acid Precipitation Index (a measure of acid rain) and well water use. Results Age-, race-, and sex-adjusted prevalence rates for PD were significantly and positively correlated with the log number of lead service lines (p = 0.0004). The effect of lead service lines remained significant after adjusting for the effects of acid rain and well water use (p = 0.0019). Conclusion These findings are consistent with a role for lead in the etiology of PD. Studies of lead service line exposure in relation to PD at the individual level are warranted.

Hybrid Inorganic Organic PSF/Hap Dual-Layer Hollow Fibre Membrane for the Treatment of Lead Contaminated Water

“…The most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets, and fixtures. Although legislation and policies have been implemented and enforced, lead exposure is still a major concern for public health [ 4 , 5 ]. Based on data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can be estimated that there are currently 6–10 million lead service lines across the United States [ 4 ].…”

“…Although legislation and policies have been implemented and enforced, lead exposure is still a major concern for public health [ 4 , 5 ]. Based on data from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it can be estimated that there are currently 6–10 million lead service lines across the United States [ 4 ]. High replacement and installation costs have been one of the main factors in the existence of lead service lines despite strict law enforcement regarding the use of leaded pipes.…”