Verizon (VZ) and AT&T (T), two of the largest telecommunication giants in the United States, have long been considered leaders in the industry. However, recent revelations from an investigative report have shed light on a concerning issue: toxic lead cables that pose serious environmental and public health risks. As responsible corporate entities, it is imperative that Verizon and AT&T take immediate action to rectify the situation and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding the communities they serve.
Shares of Verizon Communications Inc. VZ sunk to the lowest closing level since 2010 on Monday.
According to a July 9 article in The Wall Street Journal, more than 2,000 lead-coated telephone cables from the venerable Bell System have been left in the ground, the water, and on transmission poles in the US, putting Americans at risk for lead-related health issues. According to the Journal, lead in the soil near one such wire that hangs beside a playground in Wappingers Falls, New York, was more than 1,000 parts per million. According to reports, the playground’s corner had 850 ppm of lead in the soil.
The Environmental Protection Agency says a soil lead hazard 400 ppm in a children’s park area where they play is hazardous and an average of 1,200 ppm in the general area surrounding it is a hazard. Children can ingest lead while playing by getting dirt in their mouths or hands. Parents should be concerned.
AT&T’s response was, “The scientific literature and reliable studies in the US and abroad give no reason to believe that these cables pose a public health issue or a risk to workers when appropriate safety measures are in place.”
US Telecom said in a statement, “We have not seen, nor have regulators identified, evidence that legacy lead-sheathed telecom cables are a leading cause of lead exposure or the cause of a public health issue.”
Exposed, is the widespread use of lead-coated cables by both Verizon and AT&T in their telecommunications infrastructure. These cables, although cost-effective and durable, have a significant downside: they pose a considerable threat to the environment and human health.
When lead cables degrade or are improperly disposed of, they release toxic lead particles into the surrounding soil and water sources. This contamination can be particularly hazardous in urban areas, where cables are often buried underground, potentially affecting millions of people living in close proximity.
Environmental and Public Health Implications
The presence of toxic lead in the environment can lead to a multitude of adverse effects. Exposure to lead has been linked to developmental and neurological disorders in children, including learning disabilities and behavioral problems. Moreover, lead poisoning can also affect adults, leading to cardiovascular issues and damage to the kidneys and reproductive systems.
Furthermore, the contamination of soil and waterways can harm wildlife, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade the overall environmental health of affected regions. If left unaddressed, this situation could spiral into a full-blown environmental crisis, necessitating costly cleanup efforts and potential legal repercussions.
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