Health and Safety
Protecting the health and safety of the public is an important aspect of the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) mission. PMI understands the vital necessity of sustaining the supply of clean, drinkable water.
The public health community acknowledges that clean, drinkable water has likely protected more lives and extended life expectancy more than any medical advancement. The industry’s diligence has sharply reduced the incidence of illnesses that were quite common in the early part of the 20th century and that still afflict individuals in underdeveloped countries.
PMI and its members have contributed to efforts to protect water resources from waterborne pathogens and contaminants quite effectively over the past several decades. Our work continues today on issues including lead-free plumbing, Legionella prevention, and product labels and markings. PMI members donated plumbing products to residents in Flint, Michigan, as part of a volunteer relief effort after a series of unfortunate decisions by local officials resulted in a public health crisis.
PMI also has advocated for solutions to health and safety hazards that arise in wet-bathroom environments, such as scalding and slipping. This advocacy has led to effective ways to safely manage water temperature, as well as to safe, accessible design solutions that protect individuals of all ages and enable individuals with diminishing physical capabilities to use the bathroom independently and always with dignity.
New anti-microbial advancements in plumbing products contribute to safe sanitation while reducing maintenance. PMI also works in partnership with allies and researchers to monitor the unintended consequences of lowered flow rates and other changes to water systems.