Experts warn over taps leaching lead into water

Taps that leach dangerous levels of lead into drinking water have been identified in laboratory testing. The Master Plumbers industry group ordered the tests which it says show the dangers of New Zealand's unregulated market for plumbing products. Four types of taps passed the tests, but one type sold online leached 70 percent more lead into drinking water than standards allow. But compliance with that standard is voluntary. A Toxicology Professor Ian Shaw warns lead is extremely harmful and the standard itself, of 10 micrograms per litre is way too high.