This Common Cooking Shortcut Could Be Adding Lead to Your Food

"Beware the Hot Tap: Hidden Dangers in Your Kitchen Water As home cooks often reach for the convenience of hot tap water to speed up cooking times, a surprising truth emerges: this seemingly smart shortcut could be putting your health at risk. Research suggests that hot water can pick up more lead and other contaminants from older home plumbing systems, potentially leading to a range of health problems. In addition to lead, hot water may also contain higher levels of other pollutants, such as bacteria and heavy metals, which can pose significant risks to consumers, especially vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. A closer look at the risks associated with hot tap water in cooking may prompt a reevaluation of this common kitchen habit."

Using hot tap water in cooking might seem like a smart shortcut, but it can pick up more lead and other contaminants from your plumbing than cold water does—especially in older homes. It also sits in ...