09 Jun What’s Lurking in Your Garden Hose?
A 2013 study of garden hoses from popular retailers including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, Target and Kmart, suggests that today’s water hoses aren’t as safe as consumers may have thought. Water samples from several of the study’s hoses contained potentially dangerous levels of numerous chemicals, including lead, phthalate plasticizers – banned in children’s products, PVC and BPA.
Phthalates are not chemically bound to PVC and can be released to the air and water. Phthalates, even in small amounts, have properties capable of disturbing normal hormonal processes. Additionally, exposure to phthalates has been linked to birth defects, altered levels of reproductive hormones, breast cancer and asthma. Some hoses also tested positive for stabilizers, brominated flame retardants and antimony, all of which have been linked in animal, and some human studies, to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer risk.
More studies on potentially health-hazardous chemicals contained in water hoses are needed, but in the meantime you can reduce your risk using these 5 easy tips.
1. Say no to brass. Garden hoses are not regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which limits lead use in brass water fixtures. To reduce the risk of lead contamination, opt for a hose that is drinking water safe and lead free, generally this includes hoses with non-brass fittings such as those made of nickel, aluminum or stainless steel. Or, look into chrome or nickel plated brass fittings.
2. Read labels and opt for a hose that is clearly labeled “Lead Free” or “Drinking Water Safe.” Before you purchase a new water hose, it is important to pay attention to the labels. Look for a hose that is clearly labeled, “Lead Free” or “Drinking Water Safe.” And never drink from, or fill swimming pools, with water from a hose that isn’t clearly labeled this way. Lead-free hoses often are white or beige with a thin blue stripe, and are commonly sold in marine and recreational vehicle (RV) stores. Traditional natural rubber and food-grade polyurethane (that meet FDA standards) hoses also are suitable alternatives to harmful chemical laden options.
3. Let your water hose warm up. he water that’s been sitting in the hose will have the highest levels of chemicals. As a precaution, it’s always a good idea to let your hose run for a few seconds before using it. This is a good rule of thumb even for hoses labeled as drinking water safe.
4. Avoid the sun. It is important to store your hose in the shade. Heat from the sun can increase the leaching of some chemicals into the water.
5. Wash your hands after using. Always wash your hands after handling a hose since some chemicals can transfer to your hands. This is especially an issue if your water hose contains even low levels of lead as even small amounts of lead contamination may cause health problems.
While this may not be the only choice for a toxin-free garden hose, check out Water Right Hoses (https://www.waterrightinc.com/).