Lead Risk From Old Telephone Cables

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:

• MassLive, U.S. Sen. Markey, in Chicopee, explores lead risk from old telephone cable

• Markey.senate.gov, Senator Markey Hosts Roundtable in Western Massachusetts on Threat of Lead Contamination From Degrading Telecommunications Cables, Find Unsafe Levels of Lead After Testing Cables Today in Chicopee