Lead vs Arsenic
EPA limits, health effects, treatment options, and affected U.S. utilities — compared
Quick Answer
Lead in Drinking Water carries a higher EPA risk classification (high). Lead affects 1,793 utilities in our database vs. 190 for Arsenic.
Heavy Metals
Lead enters drinking water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines and lead-containing plumbing fixtures — not typically from the water source itself.
Heavy Metals
Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid found in geological deposits across the western United States, New England, and the Midwest.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Lead | Arsenic |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Heavy Metals | Heavy Metals |
| Risk Classification | high | moderate |
| EPA MCL | 15 ppb (action level) | 10 ppb |
| Utilities in Violation | 1,793 | 190 |
| Well Water Risk | Lower risk | Yes — test recommended |
| Primary Sources |
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| Recommended Treatments |
Health Effects Compared
Lead Health Effects
- Permanent cognitive and behavioral impairment in children — no safe exposure threshold exists
- Reduced IQ: each 10 µg/dL increase in blood lead is associated with a 4–7 point IQ reduction in children
- Hyperactivity, attention deficits, and increased antisocial behavior
- Slowed physical growth and delayed puberty
- Hearing loss and speech delays in young children
- High blood pressure and increased cardiovascular disease risk in adults
- Chronic kidney disease with long-term adult exposure
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth during pregnancy
- Fetal neurodevelopmental harm even at low maternal blood lead levels
Who is affected: Children under 6 face the greatest neurological risk — their developing brains absorb lead at a much higher rate than adults. Pregnant women are at significant risk because lead crosses the placental barrier and accumulates in fetal bone. Renters and low-income households in pre-1986 urban housing stock are disproportionately exposed. Residents in cities with aging infrastructure — including Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Newark — face elevated risk due to widespread lead service lines. Communities of color are disproportionately impacted, as redlined neighborhoods often have the oldest housing and most deferred infrastructure investment.
Arsenic Health Effects
- Bladder, lung, and skin cancer — the most well-established associations
- Skin thickening (keratosis) and dark spots with chronic high exposure
- Peripheral neuropathy and cardiovascular disease
- Type 2 diabetes association at elevated levels
- Developmental and cognitive effects in children
- Immune system disruption
Who is affected: Rural residents relying on private wells in the western U.S., New England, and parts of the Midwest face the highest risk. Populations in areas with natural arsenic-rich geology (volcanic rock, marine sedimentary deposits) are disproportionately affected.
Filters That Remove Both
These treatment methods are effective against both Lead and Arsenic:
Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Households with multiple contaminant concerns, PFAS or nitrate issues, or anyone wanting the broadest possible reduction in drinking water contaminants. Also the right choice when you want a single solution verified to address your specific water test results.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Chlorine taste/odor, disinfection byproducts, and general water quality improvement. An NSF/ANSI 53 certified under-sink carbon block filter is an effective and affordable solution for households primarily concerned with chlorine, DBPs, and trace organics.