What's in your hose water?

A recent study of nearly 180 hoses, gloves, kneeling pads and tools shows that there’s more in your gardening equipment than you might think.

Researchers at the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center have found lead, cadmium, bromine, chlorine and other chemicals that have been linked to health problems in 30 percent of all products tested. And two-thirds of those contained chemical levels of “high concern.”

Of 90 garden hoses tested, 100 percent of them contained four types of plasticizers banned in children’s products, and two contained hazardous flame retardants.

To avoid harmful chemicals, try these tips:

• Look for hoses that are labeled “drinking water safe” or “lead-free.”

•  Make sure to let the water run for a few seconds using your hose.

• Store your hose in the shade to avoid the heat of the sun, which can leach chemicals from the PVC into the water.

• Never drink from a hose, unless you know that your hose is drinking water safe.

• Try to find a polyurethane or natural rubber hose in order to avoid PVC contamination.