While the use of lead in household plumbing has been banned for years, lead pipes are still to be found in a large number of old homes and apartment buildings.  Particles of lead can leach from lead pipes - especially if the water is allowed to stand.  Occupants of homes with lead pipes are advised to let the water run for several minutes before drinking it or using it for cooking.

The CSIRO has reported that the first 4 litres from the tap in the morning can have lead levels up to 30 times higher than allowed by the National Health and Medical Research Council (1). Lead leaches from your home plumbing - from brass taps and solder. At greatest risk are pregnant women, and breast- or bottle-fed infants who can absorb up to 50% of this lead. High blood levels of lead can affect children developmentally in terms of intelligence, growth and behaviour.

CSIRO tests (2) in actual homes showed that the BRITA filter is effective in reducing such excessive lead.

The MAXTRA Filter cartridge used in the BRITA jug and cask filter systems contains Activated Carbon and Ion Exchange Resin. The resin used is called a weak acidic cationic resin, which targets positive charged lead ions.  The MAXTRA filter has been independtly tested and certified to substantially reduce lead (3).

(1) Brian L Gulson, Alistair J Law, Michael J Korsoh, Karen J Mizon, Effect of Plumbing Systems on Lead Content of Drinking Water and Contribution to Lead Body Burden, Elsevier Scierice B.V., 144 (1994) 279-284
(2) CSIRO, Brian L Guslon, Angelas M Giblin, Massimo Chiaradia, Ann Sheehan, Exploration and Mining Report 224C, The Efficiency of Removal of Lead and other Elements from Domestic Drinking Waters using the Brita Water Filter System, February 1996.
(3) Amdel Laboratories test report No. 6EO696 dated 19th December 2006.
Removes Chlorine 98.7%, Chloroform 94.2%, Chloramine 74.4%, Lead, 98.8%, Copper 96.25%, Aluminium 90.35%

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