Illinois Plumbing Code Practice

What percentage of lead must solders or flux containing more than bear a warning label stating it is not approved for private or potable water use?

1. 0.1%

2. 0.2%

3. 0.3%

4. 0.4%

The correct answer is: 0.2%

The correct answer is that solders or flux containing more than 0.2% lead must bear a warning label indicating it is not approved for private or potable water use. This threshold is crucial for protecting public health, as lead is a toxic substance that can lead to serious health issues, particularly in drinking water systems. The regulation necessitating this labeling is in place to ensure that anyone handling or using such materials is fully aware of the potential hazards associated with lead exposure, especially in applications involving water that might be consumed. In the context of the Illinois Plumbing Code, this regulation underscores the importance of using safe materials in plumbing to prevent contamination of drinking water supplies, paving the way for safer public health outcomes. Thus, solder or flux formulations that exceed the specified lead content are required to explicitly warn users about their unsuitability for potable water systems.