Hello, I'm an expert in the field of materials science with a focus on metals and their applications in various industries. I'm here to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the composition of brass and its potential to contain lead.
Brass is an alloy made primarily of copper and zinc. It's known for its durability, corrosion resistance, and attractive appearance, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications, from musical instruments to plumbing fixtures. When it comes to the presence of lead in brass, it's a topic of concern due to lead's well-documented health risks, particularly when it comes to drinking water.
The statement you provided indicates that commercial and almost all home drinking-water fixtures can be made from brass, which may contain up to 8 percent lead in the United States. However, it's important to note that the presence of lead in brass does not necessarily mean that it will leach into drinking water. The U.S. has regulations in place to limit the amount of lead that can leach from plumbing fixtures into the water supply. According to the information you've shared, brass fixtures are allowed to contain up to 8 percent lead as long as they do not leach more than 11 parts per billion (ppb) of lead into drinking water.
It's worth mentioning that lead-free brass alloys are available and are becoming more common, especially in the plumbing industry, as there is a growing awareness of the health risks associated with lead exposure. These lead-free brass alloys are designed to meet the strict standards for lead content and are a safer alternative for use in drinking water systems.
The process of brass production involves melting and mixing copper and zinc, and other elements can be added to achieve certain properties. The amount of lead in brass can vary depending on the specific formulation of the alloy and the source of the raw materials. It's also possible for lead to be introduced during the manufacturing process if the equipment used is not properly maintained or if there is contamination from other sources.
When it comes to drinking water fixtures, the primary concern is not just the presence of lead in the brass but the potential for lead to leach into the water. Lead can cause a range of health problems, including developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and high blood pressure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the action level for lead in drinking water at 15 ppb, which is a trigger for public water systems to take specific actions to reduce lead levels.

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Commercial and almost all home drinking-water fixtures are made from brass, even if they carry a plated veneer of chrome, nickel or brushed aluminum. In the United States, that brass can contain up to 8 percent lead -- as long as it doesn't leach more than 11 ppb of the metal into drinking water.Oct 30, 2008read more >>