AT&T cites data downplaying lead cable risks, EPA taking issue 'very seriously'

Fallout continues from the Wall Street Journal’s investigative journalism exposé that showed telecommunications companies in the US have left behind a massive network of copper cables covered in toxic lead. AT&T CEO John Stankey said “there is no public health crisis” to worry about, citing the release of lead test results by AT&T, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the state of New York. However, the EPA has said it is still taking the lead issue “very seriously.” The EPA did not comment on whether the latest lead test results—which do suggest that risk to public health could be low—should affect the urgency of remediation plans, but emphasized “the science is clear: there is no known safe blood lead level, especially for our children.”