CPSC Warns Certain Faucets Sold on Amazon May Leach Lead Into Water

If you’ve recently upgraded your bathroom or kitchen with a new faucet, you may want to double-check your purchase. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning regarding certain faucets sold on Amazon that could be exposing families to lead-contaminated water.

Several brands, primarily manufactured in China, were found to have elevated lead levels that could leach into water, posing serious health risks for infants, young children and pregnant women. While some manufacturers have voluntarily recalled the products, others are still being sold online.

The following faucets are included in the CPSC’s warning:

• VESLA HOME Kitchen Faucet (sold by VESLA HOME)
• KZH Bathroom Faucet (sold by Yajie Sanitaryware)
• CEINOL Bathroom Faucet (sold by CEINOL-USA)
• Rainsworth Bathroom Faucet (sold by Le Chang SANITARY)
• NICTIE Bathroom Faucet (sold by NICTIE)
• HGN Kitchen Faucet (sold by HGN Sanitaryware)
• Qomolangma Kitchen Faucet (sold by Qomolangma Sanitary Ware)
• KICIMPRO Kitchen Faucets (sold by Kicimpro)
• VFAUOSIT Kitchen Faucets (sold by Whisper08)

The faucets, priced between $30 and $70 and sold on Amazon, may be still available for purchase. So far, only KICIMPRO, VFAUOSIT and BASDEHEN—another manufacturer that was not previously on CPSC’s warning list—have issued recalls for these products. The CPSC recommends anyone with the above faucets stop using them immediately. Many of these faucets lack proper branding or certifications, making it difficult for parents to know if they are compliant with safety standards. To make sure your faucet is safe, here are some helpful tips:

• Look for faucets that comply with NSF/ANSI Standard 61. This standard ensures products meet safety criteria, including maximum allowable levels of lead and other contaminants.
• Flush your faucet for 15 seconds. It’s important to run the water first thing in the morning, at the end of the day, or anytime the water hasn’t run for more than six hours. This helps reduce any potential lead exposure.
• Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, or preparing baby formula. Heat doesn’t remove lead, so always use cold water for these tasks.
• Clean or replace the aerator regularly. This helps remove sediment and other particles that may accumulate in your faucet.
• Test your water. Contact your local health department or water utility for testing information, or visit EPA.gov for resources on lead in drinking water.

"CPSC is taking extraordinary steps to protect Americans from toxic faucets that threaten our children,” CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman said in the warning. “This Commission will not hesitate to warn Americans when necessary. CPSC remains focused on the biggest threat to American consumers: hazardous goods from China.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.