What is the maximum allowable lead content in a faucet fixture?

The maximum allowable lead content in a faucet fixture is set to ensure public health and safety, particularly in regard to drinking water quality. The correct response, which indicates 3% lead content, aligns with the regulatory standards outlined in the Safe Drinking Water Act. This act specifically limits the lead content in exposed surfaces of plumbing fixtures.

This regulation is crucial for preventing lead contamination in drinking water. The threshold of 3% signifies the maximum percentage allowed, as fixtures with a lead content exceeding that limit pose significant health risks, especially in areas where the water supply is prone to leaching lead from plumbing systems. This regulation is part of a broader effort to reduce and eventually eliminate lead exposure in households.

Choosing a higher percentage than 3% would violate these health safety standards, contributing to potential lead poisoning risks, while a lower percentage may not be relevant to this context. Thus, 3% represents a critical balance between manufacturing standards and health safety regulations.