Toronto Water Lead Testing

Back in October 2008, we'd had our water tested for lead levels by the city, and blogged about it. A recent study has implied that if you have a partial pipe replacement at your home, your lead levels may spike rather than going down, and that it might be better to leave old lead pipes in place than to replace part of the pipe (although a full replacement is still an improvement).

Having read this, I inquired if a friend had had his area's pipes replaced, and when he said that they had, I suggested he consider getting his water tested. I pointed him to our blog post and he looked into it, and has discovered that the process has changed somewhat. When we had our water tested, the city dropped off a sample bottle and picked it up again. Now, you have to go and pick up the bottle and drop it off, which is probably a sensible optimization on the city's part, although it is obviously less convenient. The locations and process are are documented on the City of Toronto website.

So if you're interested in having your lead level tested in Toronto or if you've had a partial pipe replacement, this might be a good time to go read up on getting your lead level tested.

Cheaters Lunch / Doc / Bottled Water

Cheaters Lunch

Even the beast mothers in the world sometimes "cheat" when it comes to lunch. I would like to say that I always make elaborate meals and never feed my son food from a box (I can however honestly say he never gets lunch out of can) but life gets in the way and sometimes you just don't feel like cooking.

On the menu today for lunch was Annies's Organic Whole Wheat Shells & Cheddar. If I am going to buy something pre-made I try to get items that have all real ingredients (no dyes or chemicals added). We have a few pre-package foods that we like to keep on hand in the house the above is one and the other is Amy's Organic Frozen Cheese Pizza.

Both of those are not cheep; and I like that because it's makes me think twice before opening the box and serving it for lunch. We don't get these to cut cost; cutting cost is done by making our own breads, sauces and all sorts of stuff - We truly just get these for convenience. I feel like I can justify it by making sure that all the ingrediants on the list are similar to stuff I have in my pantry - am I just kidding myself who know?

Is there anything you buy for shear convenience?

Doc

C Monster had his 2 year check up today. We had a good visit; a good discussion about vaccination and what vaccines he would get this year. When we bring him to see the doctor it's never a one way conversation; the doctor can not just tell me to do something and I will - it's a partnership he tells me what he wants and I tell him what I am willing to do and we come to an understanding.

So, the Monster will be getting 4 vaccines this year; his last combo for Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis/Polio/Hib and 3 for Pneumo conjugate. One vaccine every 3 months.

The C Monster weighted in at 33.5 lbs and is an incredible 35.25" tall.

The Story of Bottled Water

A good reminder to all to fill up a reusable bottle with water before leaving the house... Thanks for sharing this with me Geoff

Looking Forward To

Attending my LLLC meeting Tomorow

Eco Friendly Fridays

This one is a bit more about your families health, but is also about the environment. Get your water tested for lead if you have an old home. Many old homes have lead pipes leading into the house from the cities water main. In Toronto it's easy; if your home was built before 1955 all you need to do is send an email to waterqualityline@toronto.ca with the following information:

• contact person
• address
• nearest major intersection
• contact phone number

One of the city's Samplers will drop off a sample bottle with instructions in 6 - 8 weeks (from time of request). All you need to do is collect the sample as directed and leave it out for pickup on the date indicated on the instruction sheet.

In the meantime, if you suspect lead in your drinking water, you may filter your water (a filter certified to remove lead ie. Faucet-attached Brita Filters remove 90%+ lead) or drink bottled water, until test results are determined.

You may also contact a Public Health Inspector at 416-338-7600 for more information on the health risks associated with lead.

I strongly recommend anyone that has small children and an old home to do this.

If you do not live in Toronto I would recommend to contact your city all and ask what is the procedure for your city.

As it stands we are waiting for our sample bottle I will keep you posted on the results once we have them.

Water what should I drink?

With all the new studies about BPA and it's effect on children we decided to stop purchasing water jugs for our water cooler and start drinking tap water. We do filter the tap water with a Brita filter; however I now question my decision. Witch is safer BPA water or fluoride water.

According to an article on CBC:

"he panel does acknowledge that excess fluoride intake, which constitutes 10 mg/day after 10 or more years of exposure, can lead to skeletal fluorosis, which is caused by too much accumulation of fluoride in the bones and leads to brittle and deformed bones.

However, "the current maximum acceptable concentration of 1.5 mg/L of fluoride in drinking water is unlikely to cause adverse health effects," reads the report.

The report does caution however, that infants are particularly vulnerable if they ingest powdered infant formula reconstituted with fluoridated water. "The risk of excessive intake of fluoride is higher for infants consuming larger quantities of infant formulas," reads the report."

To read the full article go to the CBC site.

I still think tap water is better then bottle water how about you?