Lead in water is probably not the main cause of elevated lead levels in children, medical expert says

Although the number of children living in Illinois ZIP codes where they are required to receive lead exposure testing has grown, a medical expert thinks well-known sources of exposure are still the main culprits.

Dr. Susan Buchanan, a clinical associate professor and the associate director of the occupational and environmental medicine residency program at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, said lead found in paint used inside older homes remains the primary source of lead exposure for children.

“The primary source is in old buildings,” Buchanan said.

She also said lead found in public water systems isn’t the main driver of elevated lead levels in children.

“There is lead in a lot of the plumbing, especially in our urban areas, but water is not a major source