Lead Risk From Old Telephone Cables

February 12, 2024
On February 5, 2024, Sarita Hudson joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey for a demonstration of lead soil testing in Chicopee and a roundtable discussion.


On February 5, 2024, Sarita Hudson joined U.S. Senator Ed Markey for a demonstration of lead soil testing in Chicopee and a roundtable discussion. Before the 1960s, telephone cables were sheathed in lead. Over time, weather and friction cause the lead to fall off and contaminate the ground. These gray overhead cables are ubiquitous across the country. Markey is calling for a comprehensive study and remedial action.


Media Coverage:




share this

Related Articles

June 6, 2025
Fighting For Air: Updates on the proposed biomass plan in Springfield
May 30, 2025
Live Well Springfield Transforming Communities Initiative invites you to attend their Housing Resource Fair
May 28, 2025
The Springfield City Council and Springfield Zoning Board of Approvals, represented by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), asked the state’s Supreme Judicial Court to review a decision that revived building permits for the controversial Palmer Renewable Energy biomass facility in Springfield. Read CLF's press release for more information. Community groups and health advocates have been fighting against this proposed plant for more than a decade. Burning biomass, like wood, pollutes our air with particulate matter, contributing to asthma and other serious health issues. The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts recently joined CLF and more than 86 other organizations urging MA lawmakers to end public subsidies for biomass energy. Act Now!  Tell the Massachusetts Legislature to take dirty biomass out of our clean energy programs!