UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
                     GUIDANCE FROM HOTLINE COMPENDIUM
                                                                              WSGH17
                                                               Date Issued:   October 1988
SUBJECT:   Household Refrigerators and Lead Contamination

SOURCE:    Peter Lassovszky
Some home refrigerators have drinking water taps installed on the door.  These refrigerators are
directly connected to the household plumbing in order to continually provide users with cold
water and ice.  The water is stored in a reservoir inside the unit.

Considering recent research on exposure to lead via water coolers and "standing water," this
situation raises several issues. From what materials are refrigerator reservoir tanks made (i.e.,
lead, plastic, steel)?  Since the water is used only for drinking, it is reasonable to believe that the
service line gets flushed less often than a common kitchen tap and water sits in the line longer.
Thus, users drink "standing water" more often.   Does the use of these refrigerators increase a
consumer's risk of exposure to lead in drinking water?

       Response:

       Manufacturers indicate that the refrigerator reservoir tanks are made of plastic.  The
       components of the device which produce the ice cubes include materials consisting of
       plastic and stainless steel.  The "service line" providing water to the refrigerator consists
       of a copper tube.  The "service line" is  connected to the refrigerator and the plumbing
       with compression fittings.

       Based upon the above information, the EPA concludes that it is unlikely that any lead is
       contributed to the consumer's drinking water from the refrigerator's ice making
       mechanism or from the cold water reservoir.   If the refrigerator is attached to home
       plumbing which contains lead, it is possible that long standing times of water in pipes
       before the water enters the refrigerator may result in elevated levels of lead in water or ice
       dispensed by the refrigerator.   The likely sources of lead to the drinking water may be
       from the household plumbing, or possibly from the compression fittings, provided they
       are made of brass.

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