The Wall Street Journal is accusing AT&T, Verizon and other major telcos of potentially posing a health threat from decades-old cables covered in toxic lead, including cables installed under water, in the soil and on poles. According to the WSJ report, the lead degrades over time and is released into the water, soil or air.
The WSJ details the comprehensive process it used in coming to this conclusion, which involved gathering public records that are as much as 100 years old, hiring divers to investigate underwater cables, using multiple laboratories for testing, and seeking the opinion of various experts.
Telcos haven’t used cabling containing lead since 1964, according to the WSJ. The reporters also noted that even though telcos are replacing traditional cabling with fiber, the old cabling is typically left in place.
Sounds as if this is likely to lead to an investigation.