More than 2,000 outdated landline phone cables owned by major telecom companies such as AT&T and Verizon are causing contamination in the United States. These cables, coated in lead and first used in the late 1800s, have been found to contaminate soil and water with dangerous levels of lead. Lead exposure can lead to serious health issues including brain damage, infertility, and kidney failure.
These toxic cables are spread out across various locations in the US, including the Mississippi River, the Detroit River, the Willamette River in Oregon, and the Passaic River in New Jersey. Shockingly, they can be found near schools, playgrounds, and bus stops, putting children at risk of lead exposure.
According to a Wall Street Journal analysis, lead levels in a fishing spot in New Iberia were 14.5 times higher than the threshold set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for areas where children play. Despite this evidence, AT&T and Verizon have yet to address the issue. Over 1,750 of these lead-sheathed cables were found underwater, while around 250 are situated along streets and fields.
The Telecommunications Association (USTelecom) disputes these claims, stating that they are unable to confirm the information reported by the Wall Street Journal due to limited access to data and methodology. They also argue that there is no evidence to suggest that these cables are a leading cause of lead exposure or a public health issue.
Unfortunately, children exposed to high levels of lead are at risk of damaging their brain, nervous system, and overall development. They may also experience behavioral and learning problems, as well as hearing and speech issues. Adults can also suffer from health issues such as high blood pressure, and brain, kidney, and reproductive problems.
The Wall Street Journal’s investigation found that there are over 100 schools with approximately 48,000 students located near these cables. Additionally, more than 1,000 schools and child centers are within half a mile of underwater cables. New Jersey transit data reveals that over 350 bus stops are located near or underneath lead-coated cables. Soil samples taken near these cables also showed high lead levels in 80% of the sites tested.
The USTelecom spokesperson emphasizes that the telecom industry takes safety seriously and complies with all necessary regulations. They argue that safe work practices have been effective in reducing lead exposure to workers. They also mention that the legacy lead-sheathed telecom cables were phased out in the 1950s and replaced with a safer alternative.
Verizon acknowledges the concerns raised about lead-sheathed cables and claims to take them seriously. They mention that these cables are still used for critical voice and data services, including access to 911 and other alarms. In 2021, AT&T settled a lawsuit by agreeing to remove eight miles of toxic telephone cables abandoned decades ago on Lake Tahoe.
AT&T has responded differently to the issue, claiming that the report’s findings conflict with independent experts and scientific studies. However, an internal note from AT&T from 2010 suggests that underground cables can lead to overexposure for workers removing them.
The telecommunications industry is open to constructive engagement on this issue. It is important to address these lead-contaminated cables to protect the health and well-being of communities, customers, and workers.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
