Lead-Laden Telecom Cables Poisoning Louisiana and Beyond
TL;DR Summary
Abandoned telecom cables in south Louisiana, particularly in Bayou Teche, are leaking lead into nearby water and sediment, according to an investigative report by The Wall Street Journal. The cables, installed in the 1930s by Southern Bell (now part of AT&T), are found protruding from banks, resting under bridges, and snaking underwater. Sediment and water samples near the cables have shown lead levels exceeding safety recommendations set by the Environmental Protection Agency. AT&T has not responded to requests for comment, but states that it does not believe the lead-sheathed cables pose a public health issue.
Topics:business#environment#environmental-health#lead-contamination#louisiana#telecom-cables#water-pollution
- Abandoned telecom cables leaking lead into parts of south Louisiana Greater Baton Rouge Business Report
- Bayou Teche Is an Epicenter of America's Lead Cable Problem The Wall Street Journal
- Toxic Lead-Covered Cables From AT&T, Verizon And Other Telecoms Remain Exposed: WSJ - AT&T (NYSE:T) Benzinga
- Lead from abandoned phone cables are polluting dozens of neighborhoods, investigation finds Business Insider India
- America Is Wrapped in Miles of Toxic Lead Cables The Wall Street Journal
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