Hylea
Water Pipes & Plumbing
Piping materials for potable water including copper, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and polypropylene. Different materials leach different chemicals into drinking water, affecting household water quality.
Why It Matters
PVC and CPVC pipes continuously leach organotin stabilizers and phthalates into water. PEX can leach benzene and other chemicals. Even 'lead-free' solders contain up to 0.2% lead.
Chemicals of Concern in This Product
Lead
A toxic heavy metal that was once commonly used in paint, plumbing, and many consumer products....
Organotin Compounds
A class of organic compounds containing tin, used as stabilizers in PVC, catalysts in silicone...
Phthalates
A group of chemicals used to make plastics more flexible and harder to break. Also used as...
Benzene
A known human carcinogen that can appear as a contaminant in certain spray products,...
Ingredient Red Flags
Watch for these on ingredient labels:
- PVC water pipes
- CPVC water pipes
- Soldered copper joints (lead risk)
- PEX without NSF certification
- Any plastic pipes near hot water heaters
What to Look For
- ✓Copper with mechanical fittings (no solder)
- ✓Polypropylene (PP) pipes
- ✓NSF-61 certified for drinking water
- ✓Avoid PVC and CPVC for potable water
Finding Safer Options
Mechanically-joined copper, polypropylene (PP), HDPE for some applications. If using PEX, allow flushing before use.
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