Lead contamination
Coverage of Lead contamination in the Nexus archive.
- Lead Contamination Is Still a Problem in Omaha. Why Is the City Cleaning Up Some Yards and Not Others?
Residents in Omaha, Nebraska, have found inconsistent responses from the city and EPA regarding lead contamination cleanup in their yards, despite tests showing levels exceeding EPA thresholds. Some properties received retesting and cleanup, while others were denied based on EPA rules or location in non-priority zones.
- The EPA Heralds Its Omaha Cleanup as a Success. But We Found Many Yards Still Have Toxic Levels of Lead.
The EPA has labeled its Omaha lead cleanup as successful, but recent tests reveal many yards still exceed lead levels deemed safe. Despite a $273 million cleanup effort since 1999, 1 in 10 remediated yards tested by ProPublica and Flatwater Free Press showed lead above original guidelines, and nearly a quarter met criteria for further study under new Trump-era standards.
- LA County approves soil remediation for Altadena houses that survived the fires
Los Angeles County approved a soil remediation program targeting lead contamination in Altadena homes that survived the Eaton Fire. The $3 million initiative, prioritizing households with pregnant women or children under 6, will be managed by the LA County Development Authority and is expected to launch this fall.
- Chicago accelerator backs startups tackling lead contamination and water challenges
A new Chicago-based accelerator is supporting seven startups that develop water technologies to enhance industrial efficiency and address contamination issues, including lead exposure from aging infrastructure.
- Kabwe, Zambia's lead contaminated city
In Kabwe, Zambia, thousands of people face extreme lead pollution caused by decades of mining activity and toxic waste. The contaminated soil has led to lead poisoning in children, resulting in severe health consequences.
- California gets $27.5 million to find and replace toxic lead pipes that deliver water to homes
California has been awarded $27.5 million in federal funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and replace lead pipes that supply water to homes. This funding initiative aims to address public health concerns related to lead contamination in drinking water infrastructure.
- RFK Jr. backs easier peptide access for wellness as doctors raise red flags
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. advocates for easier access to 'anti-aging' peptides for wellness, while doctors warn of health risks like 'buffalo hump' and hidden side effects of weight-loss medications. The article highlights concerns over wearable fitness trackers, lead contamination in public parks, and dementia risk linked to mindset.
- Lead contamination crisis exposed in public parks across major southern city
An investigation in New Orleans found 50% of tested playgrounds had unsafe lead levels, prompting city officials to seek $5 million in federal aid for cleanup. Mayor Helena Moreno ordered a task force to address lead contamination in parks, with levels reaching 30 times the EPA's recommended limit.