A new report has revealed that AT&T, Verizon and Frontier Communications left legacy lead-sheathed telecom cables scattered about the US in the thousands. According to the report, the lead-coated cables were uncovered in US soil, water and on transmission poles.
The Problem with Lead: Lead is a concern for babies and children (as well as pregnant women) because it has been linked to cognitive problems with the developing brain, and it is a problem for adults because it has been linked with serious health conditions like heart disease and kidney and liver disorders.
Concerns about legal actions against the telecommunication companies have caused their stocks to plummet. Experts say that the environmental and litigation impacts of the newly discovered lead-coated cables are on par with historical asbestos and lead paint scenarios on industry participants, and will likely play out over the months and years to follow.
Lawmakers have demanded action to further investigate the network of toxic lead cables in the wake of the report’s release. They have also demanded that the telecommunication organizations answer how they plan to address the environmental and health issues which may be putting people at risk.
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Source: CNN
Eric
Chemical Free Life 