Latest news with #leadcontamination
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Markey wants answers from Verizon over lead in old phone lines
SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Sen. Edward J. Markey D-Mass., wants to know where Verizon's old lead-sheathed telephone cables are and what the legacy phone company is doing to protect its workers and the public. A sediment sample collected by federal inspectors from a telephone worker manhole under Central Street in Springfield in January was found to be 3% lead. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Prevention Health Hazard Evaluation Program and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health said the muck had lead concentrations of 30,000 parts per million. A dizzying number given that the Environmental Protection Agency lowered last year its acceptable level of lead in soil from 400 parts per million to 200 parts per million. A 2023 Wall Street Journal investigation documented a sprawling nationwide network of legacy lead-sheathed cables. Phone companies used lead up until the 1960s when they switched to plastic. In Western Massachusetts, John Rowley Sr., business manager of IBEW Local 2324, has also been investigating lead contamination on behalf of members who were exposed. Demonstrating a classic symptom, some workers reported headaches so bad they had to go home for the day. Markey, a Democrat on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, also took up the lead cause. In February 2024, he visited Chicopee and watched as researchers found lead in front yards on busy Montcalm Street. Its lead that had falen from overhead wires. Today, Markey sent a letter to Verizon, one of the successor companies to the old Bell System that used lead sheathing. Verizon has declined to comment on lead. In the past, it had issues with the Wall Street Journal's reporting and has called for more research. Verizon wrote a New York congressman in 2023 saying 'soil lead levels near Verizon's cable are similar to lead levels in the surrounding area (i.e., background levels) and do not pose a public health risk to your constituents.' Markey wants to know, by July 9, the answers a number of questions: What is the status of Verizon's efforts to mapping all known and suspected lead-sheathed cables it owns or for which it is responsible? What steps has Verizon taken since the publication of the Wall Street Journal investigation to: Identify and monitor worker exposure to lead from lead-sheathed telecommunications cables? Notify and protect workers in or near areas with lead-sheathed cables? Inform the public, especially in environmental justice communities, about risks posed by lead-sheathed cables, and field and respond to concerns? Test for and remediate environmental contamination around legacy infrastructure? Provide medical monitoring, treatment, or compensation for lead-exposed workers? What is the status of any investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the EPA or Occupational Safety and Health Administration into Verizon's handling of its lead-sheathed cables? Markey also wants Verizon to implement all the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations, including conducting routine blood lead level testing and retrofitting hygiene and personal protection protocols. Rowley is concerned that with federal cutbacks to agencies like the EPA, OSHA and NIOSH, no one is left to monitor, research and enforce rules. Trustees reopen William Cullen Bryant Homestead in Cummington for tours New name in play for MassMutual Center in Springfield Commission OK's more casino mitigation money, but the well may be running dry Read the original article on MassLive.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Massive baby food recall after contamination sparks autism fears
Officials have issued a recall for popular baby food product over fear that it may increase the risk of autism in children. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that the Greenwise Pear Kiwi Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouch 4oz are being called back due to potential lead contamination. The affected product, which is mostly sold in Publix grocery stores, is marketed for babies aged six months or older and has been given a Class II recall designation. While not as urgent as a Class I recall, the Class II designation indicates that exposure to the product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences. According to the agency, the food pouches were distributed in 1,400 stores across the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Virginia and Kentucky. The baby food pouch has a 'Best if used by' date of November 1, 2025. As of now, the FDA or Publix have not yet reported cases of illness. While Publix has not yet revealed how many units of the product were affected, a total of 53,620 units with the same 'best used by' date have been distributed across the affected states. Previous studies have linked lead exposure in children to learning disabilities, along with damage to the kidneys, reproductive, cardiovascular and digestive systems and autism spectrum disorder. The Food and Drug Administration has announced that the Greenwise Pear Kiwi Spinach & Pea Baby Food Pouch 4oz are being called back due to potential lead contamination Long-term exposure can also contribute to developmental delays, lower IQ and behavioral issues in children. Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said of the recall: 'As part of our commitment to food safety, potentially impacted products have been removed from all store shelves. 'To date, there have been no reported cases of illness. Consumers who have purchased the product in question may return the product to their local store for a full refund.' While the FDA noted that the food pouches may be 'contaminated with elevated levels of lead', it has not specified by how much. The lead contamination was found as a result of routine sampling by the federal agency. While lead exposure can be toxic for everyone, children younger than six years of age are at greatest risk for problems from it as their bodies absorb lead more easily - leading to lead poisoning. Lead poisoning occurs when minuscule amounts of the metal builds up in the body, often over months or years. Although lead-based paint in older buildings are most likely to cause poisoning, lead contaminated food, water and air can also affect children. Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms but even low levels of the metal in their blood can lead to learning and behavior problems, such as trouble paying attention. Over time, these difficulties can push them towards the autism spectrum - as evidenced by numerous studies. According to a 2021 International Journal of Molecular Sciences review, lead exposure has been linked to causing the most neurological deficits in people as compared to other metals. Moreover, researchers found that while the root cause of autism still remains unclear, metal exposure has been shown to contribute to increasing its impact. Other studies have also found that certain characteristics of lead may play a significant role in the furthering of autistic behavior, such as lead's ability to alter optimal cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic function Some of the most common symptoms of lead poisoning in babies and children include loss of appetite, feeling tired or irritable, poor growth, constipation, joint pain and muscle weakness. A simple blood test can detect lead poisoning and treatments include increased intake of calcium, iron and Vitamin C for young children. Last month, Health and Human Services secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr sparked fury for his comments about measles vaccines and autism — though not for the reason his critics are used to. The HHS Secretary was grilled on Chris Cuomo's show on NewsNation for his role in eroding public trust in the measles vaccine, which has led to a resurgence of the virus. After noting that Canada's measles count stands higher at 1,069 cases, RFK Jr performed a balletic pivot to a different 'epidemic': autism. 'We've had four measles deaths in this country in 20 years,' RFK Jr said animatedly. 'We have 100,000 autism cases a should be in the headlines,' Kennedy told a panel of journalists appearing with Cuomo before an audience of supporters. He added: 'When I was a kid, there were 2 million measles cases a year and none of them got headlines. And we had 400 deaths. 'We had deaths between 1 in 1,200 and 1 in 10,000. We have so many kids now who are afflicted by chronic disease. And the media never covers them. They only want to cover measles.'
CBS News
24-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Publix recalls baby food sold in more than 1,400 stores after testing finds elevated lead levels
The supermarket chain Publix has recalled fruit and vegetable baby food sold in eight states because product testing found elevated levels of lead, according to federal health officials. Publix recalled 4-ounce Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches sold at more than 1,400 stores. The pouches were produced by Bowman Andros, a French company with a manufacturing plant in Mount Jackson, Virginia, according to the company's website. Publix issued the voluntary recall on May 9, but it wasn't added to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall list until late Thursday. The potential contamination was flagged by officials in North Carolina, the state that first identified a 2023 lead poisoning outbreak linked to tainted applesauce pouches that sickened more than 500 U.S. children. Routine sampling of the baby food pouches found lead levels at 13.4 parts per billion, according to North Carolina agriculture officials. That exceeds the FDA's recommended limit of 10 parts per billion for such products intended for babies and young children. Publix said all the potentially contaminated products have been removed from store shelves. No illnesses have been reported, the company said. Customers can return the pouches to local stores for full refund. This is the second baby food pouch recall because of potential lead contamination in two months. In March, Target recalled more than 25,000 packages of its store brand Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree because of elevated lead levels. North Carolina collaborates with the FDA to conduct routine testing of food products, officials said. In 2023, state health officials investigated reports of lead poisoning in four children who consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree. Those findings led to the detection of a nationwide outbreak linked to the pouches, which were widely sold in Dollar Tree and other stores. Tests showed they contained lead at levels 2,000 times higher than the FDA's maximum recommended level, as well as chromium. Federal health officials eventually identified 566 cases of confirmed, probable or suspected cases of lead poisoning tied to the pouches in 44 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's childhood lead poisoning program investigated the applesauce outbreak and coordinated the state and federal response. However, the program was eliminated in April as part of federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. CDC officials didn't say whether or how the agency would respond to a similar outbreak now. A spokesperson said the agency is aware of the Publix baby food recall but hasn't been asked to assist with any investigation. There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to the CDC. While the heavy metal is toxic to people of all ages, it can be especially harmful to children, causing damage to the brain and nervous system and slow growth and development. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Publix recalls baby food pouches after testing finds elevated levels of lead
The supermarket chain Publix has recalled fruit and vegetable baby food sold in eight states because product testing found elevated levels of lead, according to federal health officials. Publix recalled 4-ounce Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches sold at more than 1,400 stores. The pouches were produced by Bowman Andros, a French company with a manufacturing plant in Mount Jackson, Virginia, according to the company's website. Publix issued the voluntary recall on May 9, but it wasn't added to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall list until late Thursday. The potential contamination was flagged by officials in North Carolina, the state that first identified a 2023 lead poisoning outbreak linked to tainted applesauce pouches that sickened more than 500 U.S. children. Routine sampling of the baby food pouches found lead levels at 13.4 parts per billion, according to North Carolina agriculture officials. That exceeds the FDA's recommended limit of 10 parts per billion for such products intended for babies and young children. Publix said all the potentially contaminated products have been removed from store shelves. No illnesses have been reported, the company said. Customers can return the pouches to local stores for full refund. This is the second baby food pouch recall because of potential lead contamination in two months. In March, Target recalled more than 25,000 packages of its store brand Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree because of elevated lead levels. North Carolina collaborates with the FDA to conduct routine testing of food products, officials said. In 2023, state health officials investigated reports of lead poisoning in four children who consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree. Those findings led to the detection of a nationwide outbreak linked to the pouches, which were widely sold in Dollar Tree and other stores. Tests showed they contained lead at levels 2,000 times higher than the FDA's maximum recommended level, as well as chromium. Federal health officials eventually identified 566 cases of confirmed, probable or suspected cases of lead poisoning tied to the pouches in 44 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's childhood lead poisoning program investigated the applesauce outbreak and coordinated state and federal response. However, the program was eliminated in April as part of federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. CDC officials didn't say whether or how the agency would respond to a similar outbreak now. A spokesperson said the agency is aware of the Publix baby food recall but hasn't been asked to assist with any investigation. There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to CDC. While the heavy metal is toxic to people of all ages, it can be especially harmful to children, causing damage to the brain and nervous system and slow growth and development. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Publix recalls baby food pouches after testing finds elevated levels of lead
The supermarket chain Publix has recalled fruit and vegetable baby food sold in eight states because product testing found elevated levels of lead, according to federal health officials. Publix recalled 4-ounce Greenwise Pear, Kiwi, Spinach & Pea Baby Food pouches sold at more than 1,400 stores. The pouches were produced by Bowman Andros, a French company with a manufacturing plant in Mount Jackson, Virginia, according to the company's website. Publix issued the voluntary recall on May 9, but it wasn't added to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration recall list until late Thursday. The potential contamination was flagged by officials in North Carolina, the state that first identified a 2023 lead poisoning outbreak linked to tainted applesauce pouches that sickened more than 500 U.S. children. Routine sampling of the baby food pouches found lead levels at 13.4 parts per billion, according to North Carolina agriculture officials. That exceeds the FDA's recommended limit of 10 parts per billion for such products intended for babies and young children. Publix said all the potentially contaminated products have been removed from store shelves. No illnesses have been reported, the company said. Customers can return the pouches to local stores for full refund. This is the second baby food pouch recall because of potential lead contamination in two months. In March, Target recalled more than 25,000 packages of its store brand Good & Gather Baby Pea, Zucchini, Kale & Thyme Vegetable Puree because of elevated lead levels. North Carolina collaborates with the FDA to conduct routine testing of food products, officials said. In 2023, state health officials investigated reports of lead poisoning in four children who consumed WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree. Those findings led to the detection of a nationwide outbreak linked to the pouches, which were widely sold in Dollar Tree and other stores. Tests showed they contained lead at levels 2,000 times higher than the FDA's maximum recommended level, as well as chromium. Federal health officials eventually identified 566 cases of confirmed, probable or suspected cases of lead poisoning tied to the pouches in 44 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's childhood lead poisoning program investigated the applesauce outbreak and coordinated state and federal response. However, the program was eliminated in April as part of federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. CDC officials didn't say whether or how the agency would respond to a similar outbreak now. A spokesperson said the agency is aware of the Publix baby food recall but hasn't been asked to assist with any investigation. There is no safe level of lead exposure, according to CDC. While the heavy metal is toxic to people of all ages, it can be especially harmful to children, causing damage to the brain and nervous system and slow growth and development. Heavy metals like lead can get into food products from soil, air, water or industrial processes, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
