July 14, 2023

What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables

by The Journal

For decades, telecom companies have known that lead in their networks posed risks to workers, and did little about it. Lead can cause a variety of ailments in adults, affecting the kidney, heart and reproductive systems, and it is classified as a probable human carcinogen. WSJ’s Shalini Ramachandran explains the danger of lead cables -- and what telephone companies knew.


Further Reading:

- America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables 

- What AT&T and Verizon Knew About Toxic Lead Cables 

-​​ Workers Exposed to Toxic Lead Cables Wrestle With the Aftermath 

- How the Journal Investigated Hidden Lead Cables Circling the U.S. 


Further Listening:

- Part 1: America Is Wrapped in Toxic Lead Cables 


Where to Listen