The U.S. has a New Lead Problem
- Devon Seifer
- Jul 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Author: Devon Seifer
School: Brooklyn Technical High School
Publication Date: July 26, 2023
The danger of lead in paint and pipes is fairly well known and guarded against, but there is one way that the poisonous substance has been able to snake throughout the country unnoticed. Old lead-sheathed cables, most of which were abandoned by cable companies over 60 years ago, lurk above our heads, beneath our feet, and even in our water supply.
In early July, the Wall Street Journal released a rather alarming report of not only the existence of such cables, but also the effect they’ve had on the communities they run through. According to tests run by the Publication, the level of lead in some towns’ soil reached 81,921,837, which is over 3 times the EPA guideline. Other bodies of water such as Lake Tahoe reached 2,533 times the EPA limit. The lead cables cause this type of contamination when they inevitably chip or peel, dropping small traces of lead which eventually seep into our soil or water.
Due to their age, many are also unfortunately dilapidated to a far greater extent and therefore pose a greater risk of contamination than they otherwise would. Downed lines in local fishing streams, cables sagging over playgrounds, and frayed wires along residential streets are just some of the most egregious examples of how these cable lines creep their way into everyday life.
The threat posed by lead poisoning is especially dangerous to children as it can impede development. As warned by the CDC, exposure to lead in children can lead to stunted growth, neurological damage, behavioral issues, and reduced sensory functions. Even in adults, lead poisoning can cause fertility issues, high blood pressure, chronic headaches, memory issues, and even lung, brain, stomach, or kidney cancer. What makes it perhaps more dangerous though is that symptoms are often hard to recognize if apparent at all.
Children exposed to lead contaminated water (NCCEH)
The new discovery of this hazard could, however, mean an explanation for the continually notable levels of lead detected in the average American’s bloodstream, especially considering the relative success of the national effort to reduce other well known sources of the substance. Moreover, it may now enable action to be taken to possibly eliminate all main forms of contamination on the part of governments and companies alike.
In an effort to take action against the newly perceived danger, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered an investigation into the matter. In a press release regarding the cables, she acknowledged the “serious threat” they pose and vowed to “hold the telecommunication companies responsible” for their former property. The state has since acted on this by sending its own team to investigate lead levels in reportedly highly contaminated areas and requesting an inventory of all lead cable lines from the companies that owned them.
In response, cable companies have mainly sought to quell public concern over the issue. AT&T, for example, claimed that only 10% of its cables were encased in lead and that it would take steps to address the safety issues they pose. AT&T specifically, however, has had recent dealings over the lead encasements, as in 2021 the company was involved in a lawsuit over the supposed contamination of Lake Tahoe, though denied any wrongdoing in the settlement they reached. That same year, the company ran their own tests on some now known-to-be highly contaminated areas, and reported that the environment was “not adversely impacted.”
No matter where responsibility lies, though, it is clear that the process of clearing out the lead cables will not be easy. Besides the costly and extensive nature of the cleanup that would be necessary, such attempts are often delayed over logistical or environmental concerns. It remains to nearly everyone’s benefit, however, that these cables be removed and be removed quickly.
Despite clean-up attempts here are still an estimated 9.2 million lead pipes across the U.S. (Pintas&Mullins Law Firm)
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