I went shopping for garden hoses to day and was shocked when I read the warning label.......
WARNING: This hose is not intended for drinking water use. For potable water purchase an APEX drinking water safe hose. This hose contains chemicals containing lead known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other repoductive harm. Do not drink water from this hose. Wash hands after use.
Normally we don't drink from the water hose but our dogs do and sometimes I'm tempted because I loved drinking cold water from a garden hose on a hot summer day as a child. I came home and did a web search after looking for a safe drinking water hose in 3 different stores without luck. Not all hoses have the warning label so to be safe I found out you have to buy hoses that state they are safe for drinking. Most articles I read concentrated on drinking the water but the warning also says 'wash hands after use' which leads me to believe there is potential for absorption through the skin.
Hoses are made from polyvinyl chloride plastic and lead is used as a stabalizer. Lead can cause anemia, brain damage and developmental and reproduction problems. Since not all hoses carry the warning I wanted to find a hose that specifically said safe for drinking. Consumer Reports has a list of hoses safe for drinking but actually finding one has been a challenge. I just sent an e-mail to Gardner Supply Company to see if the hose they feature is safe for drinking and where I can purchase one. I'm assuming just on-line but I had to check. I also remember seeing a similar warning on spray nozzles for garden hoses but that's for another post.
