Telecom companies such as AT&T and Verizon have known about the health risks of lead-covered cables for decades, according to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal. Lead was used to prevent water damage to copper wires in the country’s telecommunications network between 1940 and the 1980s. Despite the dangers of exposure to the toxic metal, workers handling the cables were allegedly not provided with protective equipment or safety training. Contaminated cables continue to exist around the country and may be leaching lead into the environment. Telecom companies deny any wrongdoing and claim to follow safety guidelines for lead exposure.
https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/the-journal/what-att-and-verizon-knew-about-toxic-lead-cables/a288b7d4-28f3-470e-b6c4-72341c97b3a0