Symbol Certifies Safety Standards Met By Faucets

Hundreds of faucet models sold at retail stores around the country will soon carry a new symbol certifying that they meet a safety standard for lead, cadmium, mercury and other toxic substances.

Faucets made by six manufacturers passed tests in which water was held in them for specified periods over the course of 19 days. Then the water was tested to determine whether it had picked up any of the substances, some of which are often used in making faucets themselves.

The standard was developed jointly by the plumbing industry, public health officials and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The tests were carried out by NSF International, formerly the National Sanitation Foundation, a standards setting group in Ann Arbor, Mich., whose logo will appear on the boxes of faucets that passed.

Using an approved faucet will not guarantee that the water is safe to drink, only that the faucet itself did not contribute more of a contaminant than the standard allows. For lead, the faucet can contribute no more than 11 parts per billion. Lead, the contaminant of most concern to experts, can depress intelligence, especially in children. It can also cause high blood pressure, kidney damage and infertility.

The full list of approved faucet models is available by calling NSF at (800) 673-8010. Those with access to the Internet can find the list at http:/ /www.nsf.com.