In the early stages, the symptoms of ALS -- also called Lou Gehrig's disease -- include: 1  Increasing weakness in one limb, especially in a hand. 2  Difficulty walking. 3  Clumsiness of the hands. 4  Fasciculations, which are subtle, light twitches under the skin.  Impaired speech.
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) Section 1417(a)(1) required that after June 19, 1986 only lead free pipe, solder or flux could be used in the installation or repair of any plumbing in residential or non-residential facility providing water for human consumption, which is connected to a Public Water System.
Lead is a soft, malleable and corrosion resistant material. The ancient Romans used lead to make water pipes, some of which are still in use today. Unfortunately for the ancient Romans, lead is a cumulative poison and the decline of the Roman empire has been blamed, in part, on lead in the water supply.